Cheng Qingshuang

Cheng Qingshuang (simplified: 程青霜, traditional: 程青霜, pinyin: Chéng Qīngshuāng, jyutping: cing4 cing1 soeng1) was a member of the Jun Tian Department of Lingjiu Palace. She played a crucial role in seeking help for her besieged sisters during the palace’s crisis, demonstrating exceptional loyalty and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

Biography

Early life and training

Cheng Qingshuang was trained as a member of the Jun Tian Department, one of Lingjiu Palace’s elite guard units. She received comprehensive training in the palace’s martial arts and was responsible for protecting the palace and its inhabitants alongside her fellow guards.

Role in the Jun Tian Department

As a member of the Jun Tian Department, Cheng Qingshuang served under the leadership of the palace’s master and participated in the defense of the palace’s various natural defenses. She was trained to work as part of a coordinated team to protect the palace’s strategic positions.

The crisis at Lingjiu Palace

When Lingjiu Palace came under attack, Cheng Qingshuang was among the guards defending the palace’s eighteen natural defenses. The enemy forces had already captured eleven of these defenses and killed over half of the Jun Tian Department members, leaving the situation “extremely dangerous” (危殆万分).

Journey down the mountain

Cheng Qingshuang was sent down the mountain to seek help when the enemy had only reached Duanhun Cliff (断魂崖), which was still far from the Connecting Heaven Bridge (接天桥). The Jun Tian Department had prepared for this eventuality by stationing guards at the iron chain, ready to open the middle lock and split the chain into two sections if the enemy advanced further.

Encounter with Xuzhu

During her mission, Cheng Qingshuang encountered Xuzhu, who had inherited the martial arts and position of the palace’s previous master. When she learnt that he was both her savior and the new master, she immediately knelt before him and begged for his help, saying: “Thank you, Master, for saving my life. Please… please… Master, save the sisters on the peak. We have been holding out for four months, but we are outnumbered and the situation is extremely dangerous.”

Report on the situation

Cheng Qingshuang provided detailed information about the crisis to Xuzhu and the other women. She reported that when she left the peak, the enemy had already captured eleven of the eighteen natural defenses and that the Jun Tian Department had suffered over 50% casualties. The situation was described as “extremely dangerous” and the remaining defenders were barely holding on.

Personality and traits

Exceptional loyalty

Cheng Qingshuang demonstrated extraordinary loyalty to her sisters and the Lingjiu Palace. Despite being severely wounded and exhausted, she was willing to risk her own safety to seek help for others, showing her selfless nature and deep commitment to her comrades.

Determination and duty

Her determination and sense of duty drove her to complete her mission despite the dangers involved. Even when she could barely lift her head due to exhaustion, she continued to plead for help for her besieged sisters, showing her unwavering dedication to their survival.

Courage under pressure

Cheng Qingshuang showed remarkable courage in undertaking such a dangerous mission alone. Her journey down the mountain through enemy territory demonstrated her bravery and her commitment to saving her fellow guards.

Martial arts abilities

Jun Tian Department training

As a member of the Jun Tian Department, Cheng Qingshuang possessed solid martial arts skills. She was trained in the palace’s techniques and was capable of defending herself and others. However, her skills were not sufficient to overcome the overwhelming force attacking the palace, which was why she sought external assistance.

Qinggong technique

Cheng Qingshuang demonstrated sufficient lightness skill to navigate the dangerous mountain paths and cross the iron chain bridges that connected the various natural defenses of Lingjiu Palace. This skill was essential for her role as a guard and for her mission to seek help.

Relationships

Jun Tian Department sisters

Cheng Qingshuang considered her fellow palace guards as sisters and was deeply concerned for their safety. Her mission to seek help was driven by her love and loyalty to these comrades, and she risked her own life to save them.

Xuzhu

Cheng Qingshuang’s relationship with Xuzhu began when she recognized him as the new master and sought his help. She immediately showed him the respect due to his position while pleading for assistance for her besieged sisters.

Behind the scenes

Three key appearances

Cheng Qingshuang appeared in three key scenes in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. Her first appearance established her role as a messenger seeking help for the besieged palace. The second appearance showed her explaining the dire situation to Xuzhu and the other women, detailing how the enemy had already captured eleven of the eighteen natural defenses and killed over half of the Jun Tian Department members. The third appearance occurred when they reached the Connecting Heaven Bridge, where they discovered that the enemy had already cut the iron chain, indicating they had advanced further than expected.

Strategic importance

Cheng Qingshuang’s mission was strategically crucial for the survival of Lingjiu Palace. Her successful journey down the mountain and her encounter with Xuzhu set in motion the events that would lead to the palace’s rescue and the establishment of Xuzhu as the new master.