In his previous life, Muk Hwi-young was a brilliant merchant who was cast out from Wudang due to political betrayal and ultimately butchered when the Demonic Cult swept through the Central Plains. Reborn thirty years in the past as an insignificant lay disciple, he fuses his decades of macro-economic foresight with an unwavering survival instinct. Coldly analytical toward corrupt adversaries yet profoundly protective of the sect that sheltered him, Hwi-young views martial power and financial dominance as two sides of the same coin. His personal philosophy treats the entire martial world as a market to be mastered, systematically buying up martial talents to avoid the tragic fate of his previous incarnation. Powers: Wudang Basic Sword Arts, Soft Cloud Steps, and Acupoint-Tempered Qi Circulation. Through his unique Martial Talent Shop interface, he wields swappable physiological traits including Tough Physique (drastically amplifying bone density and damage mitigation) and Swift Movements (enhancing burst acceleration and micro-evasion). Currently operating at First-Rate combat potency through adaptive skill combinations.

A living legend of the Wudang Sect, Cheong-hwa possesses an ascetic lifestyle and razor-sharp perception that cuts through deception. Although severe and unyielding, he is driven by a deep love for the Tao and a desire to see Wudang produce disciples capable of weathering the coming storms. Detecting the bizarrely dense internal resolve and sudden martial awakening in Hwi-young, Cheong-hwa subjects him to grueling physical conditioning, demanding cliff climbs, and meridian-cleansing strikes. He serves as Hwi-young’s ultimate martial anchor, ensuring the young merchant does not lose his moral core to pure greed. Powers: Peak Realm Master approaching Transcendence. Wields the legendary Peerless Divine Sword techniques, Taiji Sword Form, Void Step, and pure Taoist Neigong capable of deflecting blade strikes with sheer qi barriers.

An elite inner disciple of Wudang's main mountain, Myeong-gyeong embodies the pure, unyielding principles of Taoist rectitude. Appointed to oversee Hwi-young during the Wuhan venture, he initially views Hwi-young's commercial pursuits with skepticism, considering mercantile scheming beneath the dignity of true swordsmen. However, his unbending moral compass makes him completely incorruptible against bribery and underhanded intimidation. As he witnesses Hwi-young use economic dominance to shield the innocent, Myeong-gyeong evolves into a stalwart companion willing to draw his blade against any who violate justice. Powers: High First-Rate swordsman. Master of Wudang Flowing Water Sword Style, Pure Yang Internal Energy, and orthodox defensive footwork designed to hold off multiple opponents simultaneously.

A treacherous secular disciple with strong allegiances to the Rising Thunder Gate, Sagong Hyeon was the direct catalyst for Hwi-young's expulsion in the past timeline. Driven by petty jealousy, greed, and a lust for status within regional trade guilds, he operates as a predatory saboteur. In this life, his repeated attempts to frame and bankrupt Hwi-young are met with devastating counter-schemes, turning his former arrogance into frantic, humiliated desperation. Powers: Second-Rate martial artist. Utilizes Rising Thunder Sabre Techniques, aggressive iron-body hand strikes, and dirty infighting methods supplemented by concealed weapons.

Known throughout the Hubei trading circles as "Poisonous Heart, Iron Face," Zhuge Yeon is an external branch hall leader of the illustrious Zhuge Clan. Cold, manipulative, and relentlessly calculating, she regards human lives and martial pacts merely as ledger entries to be liquidated for profit. When the Wudang Brokerage threatens her monopoly over river shipping and mercantile logistics in Wuhan, she attempts to ensnare Hwi-young in predatory contractual nets, only to realize his economic acumen exceeds her own. Powers: First-Rate cultivation. Employs Zhuge Clan Wind-Chasing Fan Techniques, covert acupoint-sealing needles, and high-level predictive formation tactics during skirmishes.

The top-ranked combat disciple among Wudang’s secular branch, Myeong-il is proud, disciplined, and fiercely protective of martial hierarchy. He views Hwi-young's petition for an autonomous brokerage as an insult to martial focus until Hwi-young challenges him directly in the sparring arena. Defeated by Hwi-young’s unpredictable talent shifts, Myeong-il develops a begrudging respect for his fellow disciple, accepting the outcome with honorable grace. Powers: Solid First-Rate swordsman. Proficient in Wudang Thirteen Stances of the Clear Sky Sword and swift Wind-Riding Steps.

The supreme leader of Mount Wudang, he bears the heavy burden of feeding thousands of disciples while maintaining the sect's spiritual purity and political neutrality. Realizing that spiritual devotion cannot overcome empty granaries and financial extortion, he strikes a secret profit-sharing pact with Hwi-young. He acts as the young merchant’s greatest political shield within the conservative Elders' Council. Powers: Peak Realm / Half-Step Transcendence master. Supreme practitioner of the Great Taiji Divine Art and Wudang Boundless Qi Method.