Hua Cheng

Appearance, San Lang form: He looked no older than sixteen or seventeen years old, was extraordinarily handsome, with skin whiter than snow and eyes brighter than stars, but a certain elusive savagery was read in his face. In clothes redder than maple leaves and a pair of expensive boots that hugged her slender shins. Her dark hair was carelessly gathered at the back of her head[2]. His hands were graceful, thin, with long fingers. But it was not a pampered beauty, but one that is fraught with strength[3]. He wore a jianxu style dress with narrow sleeves. He was dressed rather casually, but at the same time his robes were clearly made of the highest quality material. Despite his jocular tone, he had the air of someone who was in complete control of the situation. His voice sounded a little lower than that of boys of similar age, and much more pleasant[4]. A smile did not leave his face, but it was not clear from the tone of his voice whether he was talking seriously or teasing his interlocutor [5]. Even in his Sanlang form, he is taller than Xie Lian[3], though slightly shorter than his true form. Nevertheless, the image of Sanlang is a mask on the true incarnation, and not a double[6], so he has no “mistakes” in execution - the lines on his palms are extremely distinct[3] and his hair is natural, without any oddities[5] .

Appearance Hua Cheng: Hua Cheng never showed his true form in public, he changed his appearance so often that even the people of Ghost Town didn't know what he really looked like[7]. Only Xie Lian could know for sure that when they met in the Phantom City, his appearance was real, as he had previously promised that the next time they met, the prince would see him in his true form[8]. His true form is a young man of eighteen or nineteen years old, he looked not only a few years older, but also became taller. Looking at Sanlang, Xie Lian could hardly but look into his eyes, while looking at the demon, the prince had to lift his head[7]. His clothes were also redder than maple leaves, and his skin was whiter than snow. Still the same amazingly beautiful young face - only the features became sharper, and teenage shyness was replaced by calm confidence. He was still a young man, but at the same time already a man. There was an indomitable savagery in the form. The only eye - the left one - shone like a star, and the right one was covered with a black bandage[9]. The voice sounded lower than in the image of Sanlan, but even more pleasant to hear[10]. Loose black hair flowed down her back. Something sinister appeared in his beauty, and only a thin pigtail on the right with a red coral bead woven into it gave the demon a somewhat mischievous look[7]. A red thread is woven into the braid. On the hairline of Hua Cheng, the “beauty cape” (the hairline on the forehead in the form of a triangle with the apex downwards) barely stood out, due to which the features of the face visually acquired grace "[11]. Silver bracers of skillful work are worn on the wrists: metal was covered with patterns, on its surface maple leaves and butterflies were intertwined with grinning mouths of animals.In general, the decoration did not look like the work of local craftsmen, the thing was clearly old - perhaps brought from afar.Black leather boots tightly fitted slender legs, and on the sides of the bootleg were adorned with two silver chains, which made a melodious ringing with every step.12 From a silver belt hung a long curved scimitar, also silver.7 Light gait, like that of a young youth, but at the same time resolute, as if he was ready to grind the powder of anyone who gets in his way.12 The hands are graceful and pale, with distinct joints.A bright red thread is tied on the middle finger of the right hand.13][9]

Personality: Hua Cheng is charismatic and intelligent, he cared little for others and mostly acted in his own interests. No one has ever been able to comprehend the true meaning of Hua Cheng's actions. He was cruel, but not bloodthirsty, caustic and arrogant, although by right, since he was one of the most powerful creatures, he did not hesitate to let out caustic and even insulting remarks against both celestials and other demons. In addition, he collected dirt on many celestials, forcing them to be afraid not only of their strength, but also of the disclosure of dirty secrets. Many also often had to turn to Hua Cheng for help, ask him for assistance in some matters, since in the world of people he had considerable influence and even had followers. Hua Cheng was so powerful and influential that Jun Wu himself avoided clashes with him, and even if the demon attacked, he could not order any of the celestials to punish him[1]. It is likely that Hua Cheng was the only one who could curse and insult the Sovereign without fear of any retribution[24].

Loves: The only exception to him in every way is His Highness Xie Lian. He is the only one Hua Cheng treated with kindness, care and the utmost respect. He was ready to do for him whatever the prince wished, but at the same time did not prevent him from doing what he wanted. Even if it was dangerous, Hua Cheng tried to follow him and protect him in such cases. As a token of his love and trust, he left Xie Lian his ashes in the form of a ring[26][27], as he himself put it in the image of Sanlang - entrusting his ashes to the chosen person, he did not care what he would do with him next: save, destroy or will pour from hand to hand for fun [4]. He also couldn't help but follow Xie Lian's desire to protect the common people. Having become a powerful demon, he, however, did not attack ordinary people, but was famous for the massacre of demons (mainly Qi Rong's henchmen) and attacks on celestials. The only people whose death could be attributed to him were the despotic princes, whose tyranny reached its limits and Hua Cheng sent his messengers to them[28]. Even cracking down on 33 celestials, he only burned their temples, but did not touch the followers[1].

powers: Demon: Hua Cheng is in the state of afterlife, the incarnated soul of a deceased person. His heart does not beat, he does not breathe, he does not need food and sleep (although he can eat and sleep). He also cannot die unless his ashes are scattered or his death wish is granted. In case of depletion of forces, it can temporarily disincarnate, but over time it is restored back[1].

powers: Unsurpassed rank: demons of this rank are capable of destroying a nation and inflicting suffering on people, turning the mortal realm into chaos. Although Hua Cheng was not seen for the extermination of peoples, he inflicted terrible damage on Heaven - he defeated 33 celestials, having fought in battle with the gods of war and in a verbal duel with the gods of literature, after which he destroyed all their temples in one night and they, having lost followers and strength , have sunk into oblivion[2].

powers: Swordsmanship: He possesses incredibly high combat skills, surpassing even the best of the war gods - he simultaneously fought Nan Feng and Mu Qing without any difficulty[3], and in the clash with Lang Qianqiu, Xie Lian, who stopped their blows, noted that the heavy Taihua sword left only a crack on the sword used by Xie Lian, and from the blow of Hua Cheng, his artifact crumbled to dust[4]. His fighting style has always been distinguished by ease, even some carelessness, he was more likely to play than fight. The only one he fought seriously was the Supreme God of War, Jun Wu[5].

powers: Spiritual Powers: He has a huge supply of spiritual powers and can share them without compromising his power. In addition to his own strength, he, like the celestials, is worshiped by his followers, feeding his power[2]. With the help of spiritual powers, he can perform many actions: Traveling a thousand miles: With the help of a pair of dice, he can open doors to different places. While casting a real spell requires a flat surface, a lot of time, precision in execution, and a large amount of spiritual energy, dice can be used instantly, anywhere, and the caster's strength is not wasted at all. The number dropped on the bones predicts the impending danger. For the most part, dice-opened doors lead to random locations with given properties (for example, a roll of four leads to the location the thrower fears the most). But there are exceptions to this rule - the dice are specially enchanted so that no matter what number the unfortunate Xie Lian throws, if he wants to see Hua Cheng at the moment of the throw, the opened door will lead to him, wherever he is[6]. Hua Cheng himself seems to be able to open doors anywhere at will, and he doesn’t even have to have the bones fall to the surface and show the number (he threw them in the water[7] or caught them with his hand and clenched them in his fist[8]) . It is not known if there is only one pair of bones that Hua Cheng can magically return to himself wherever they are, or if he enchants dice that come to hand.

powers:, Red Thread of Fate: A tracking spell that Hua Cheng used to bind himself and Xie Lian. This thread cannot break, its length is infinite, it can always reach the person at the other end, unless he dies[14]. The thread can become invisible, it does not interfere with movement in any way, but the knot on the finger remains visible[15]. It has a very undisguised allusion to the red thread of fate, which in Chinese beliefs symbolizes the connection between two people[16]. Hua Cheng's luck is beyond a reasonable norm. He can control his luck like a spiritual power, using it to his advantage, and even lend it to others[17].

powrs: Mysterious Ghost Wagon: Hua Cheng's personal vehicle that he would not allow anyone else to ride. A palanquin of incomparable beauty, carried by four gigantic golden skeletons, which emitted amusing sighs as they ran[18].

artifacts: Emin: Hua Cheng's demon blade. A cursed weapon that brings grief, for the creation of which human sacrifices were required[19]. The icy coldness of the curved blade, the life-consuming silver sheen—it was indeed a perfect blade, brimming with dark energy, in the full sense of the word, a sinister blade[3]. Possessing his own will and consciousness, Hua Cheng can fight with it not only by holding it in his hand, but also by controlling the power of thought[20], he can also move independently[21]. Despite his sinister reputation, Emin's personality resembles that of a child, and Hua Cheng treats him like a naughty dog and often punishes him.

artifacts: Illusory Butterflies: Hua Cheng's spirit weapon in the form of silvery butterflies. They looked like they were made of silver or crystal - they did not look like living things at all, but they looked very beautiful[22]. Despite their cute appearance, they were very powerful and dangerous weapons, even the gods of war, Feng Xin and Mu Qing, had the deepest dark memories of their ferocity [2], their wings shining with brilliance are comparable in sharpness to blades, they attack in battle formation, but it is very difficult to fight them off because of their small size. In addition to the attackers, there are butterflies of other species[23]: they can track the location of people, hiding, wiretap[24], "record" what they see, hear and "broadcast" it[14][25]. They can also lift people into the air[15] or immobilize them[26]. Some butterflies even have the ability to heal wounds[27]. When not in use, the butterflies blend into Hua Cheng's silver bracers[26].

artifacts: Blood Rain: One of his most famous abilities is to bring down blood rain. It's not entirely clear what exactly Hua Cheng does, but this rain always appears when he's dealing with demons. The massacre occurs almost instantly, and as a result, the district is irrigated with torrential bloody rain[28]. Although for the most part Hua Cheng prefers to cover Xie Lian under an umbrella, if he fails to do so, he can turn the blood into flower petals so that the prince does not get dirty[29].

artifacts: Red Umbrella: A unique handcrafted artifact made from special materials, the perfect killing weapon[30]. Apart from the usual protection from rain or sun, it can even protect against rockfall[31] and lift people into the air[16]. Hua Cheng Wu does not carry it around, at any moment he can materialize it out of nowhere[28]. Weapon Collection: He has a large collection of rare artifacts and powerful weapons, which he gave to Xie Lian[32]. Among the well-known artifacts of the armory: Golden Fan: an artifact that strikes with the elegance of fine workmanship: the frame and plates were made of pure gold of a beautiful but restrained color. When opened, it is a true example of sophistication, coupled with powerful deadly Qi. With each stroke, it sends not only a stream of furious wind, but also the thinnest golden plates[4].

artifacts: Well-read and well-informed: has extensive knowledge in many areas. Has information about the dark deeds of many celestials[2]. He is well aware of many folk legends, as well as the true essence of many events. He likes to joke that it is not he who knows a lot, but simply that others are less well-informed[33]. Household: good at general household chores such as chopping wood, cleaning, repairs[34][35], carpentry in particular: was able to make a good door[36] and mend an offering table[33]. Painting: He has decent skills in painting, he painted a portrait of Xie Lian at the Water Chestnut Shrine[36]. His first creation was a drawing in the Temple of the Crown Prince on Mount Taicangshan during his lifetime, created to replace the missing statue. A drawing whose features, depicted in immature technique, betrayed the hand of a person who had never learned to draw, but each stroke was nevertheless made with obvious diligence[37].

artifacts: Sculpture: For ten years on Mount Tonglu, he carved statues of Xie Lian out of stone with his own hands, filling an entire cave with them. At first, the execution was lame, the sculptures came out rough and primitive, and the later ones, on the contrary, were distinguished by such grace and attention to detail that the hair on the head almost moved at a glance[38]. His best work is a gigantic statue carved from solid rock inside the Copper Furnace - in the mouth of the Tonglu volcano[39]. Omnipresence: Hua Cheng is the only one who can eat Xie Lian's food while other humans, celestials, and demons get critical (though not fatal) food poisoning from it. Bad point: for all his merits and talents, Hua Cheng is so bad at calligraphy that true masters would pass out and drop dead, rolling their eyes at the sight of his creations. The most insane "wild cursive" that Xie Lian had ever seen could not be compared in wildness with Hua Cheng's style, which, among other things, contained notes of bad faith that hit right in the face at the mere sight of this masterpiece. According to Xie Lian, this is due to the fact that he does not hold the brush correctly[40].