Zhang Ming

*Note: The english translation for manhua chapter 15 has this character's name mislabeled. I do have the correct image for this character.*

One of the three commoner students at the Holy Orchid Institute that stood up with Nie Li against teacher Shen Xiu.

## Plot

### **Alternate Life**

He was one of Du Ze’s direct subordinates and was very loyal towards Du Ze and Glory City. In the battle with the demon beasts, he was one of the defenders that fought to protect the city and died.

### **Current Life**

#### Gain a Cultivation Arc

Zhang Ming's Cultivation:

Like Zhu Xiangjun and Wei Nan he also has a red soul realm and received a cultivation technique from Nie Li that was suited for his soul realm's form and attribute. It is later revealed that he has a Holy attribute.

#### Placement Exam Arc

Zhang Ming's Cultivation:

At the Holy Orchid Institute's exam he was found to be a 2 Star Bronze rank demon spiritualist.

#### Life at the City Lord's Mansion Arc

Nie Li:

After the younger generation tournament he goes with Du Ze, Lu Piao, Zhu Xiang Jun, and Wei Nan to visit Nie Li at the City Lord's Mansion. Once there, he receives a Holy attribute demon spirit with god level growth from Nie Li. However, it is unclear if he has reached silver rank. He stays there with Zhu Xiang Jun and Wei Nan as Nie Li impersonates Wei Nan to travel to the Holy Orchid Institute and enter the Heavenly Sacred Border.

#### The Ten Millennium Spatial Array Arc

Demon Beasts:

On the first day of the new school year Nie Li and the rest of the group of friends travels to an ancient construct near the City Lord's Mansion. During their time apart, Zhang Ming managed to catch up with the others to become a 5 Star Silver demon spiritualist. The group is able to pass through the barrier and enter an isolated space. After being chased by Scarlet Ghosts they happen upon a Netherlamp Behemoth. At one point Wei Nan is captured by the demon beast's tongues, but Du Ze is able to quickly cut him free.
Monument:

After the group escapes they head towards what appears to be a village. On their way they come across a mysterious monument that only Nie Li could approach. Afterwards, Nie Li asked Wei Nan to merge with his demon spirit to quickly search the area to see if there was anything else like the monument, but he found nothing. When they got close to the village Zhang Ming stayed behind with the rest as Nie Li investigated.

#### Getting the Best of the Silver Winged Family Arc

Silver Winged Family:

After insuring their safety, Nie Li came back and escorted them to a courtyard of the Silver Winged Family where Zhang Ming cultivated with the aid of Blood Crystals until he had broken through to 1 star gold rank. When the stones of light had been collected, Nie Li and the new member of the team, Duan Jian, left the village. However, he told Zhang Ming and the rest that he would return in ten days time and meet them at a nearby location.
True to his word, Nie Li returned and set off a string of explosions that almost completely destroyed the Silver Winged Family's village. He then briefly left them to make another attack on the blood crystal mine in order to free the slaves. The group continued to hide out in the woods for awhile more, before returning to Glory City through the teleportation array.

#### The Demon Horde Attacks Arc

Demon Beast Horde:

He is with Nie Li and helps with the preparations for the defensive lines against the Demon Beast Horde. When the lines are breached he fights along side Du Ze, Zhu Xiangjun, Wei Nan, and everyone else in the group to defend Glory City.
Nie Li, Lu Piao, Xiao Xue, Dian Jian, and the three minions

After the battle is over he can see the loss and destruction that the demon beast horde left. He agrees with Nie Li that they need to work hard to get stronger to protect everyone.

#### Taking down the Sacred Family Arc

It is unclear if Zhang Ming was at the meeting of Glory City experts at the City Lord's Mansion. Though he is not from a powerful family his own strength certainly qualifies him as well as his connection with Nie Li. Either way he did not play an active part in the events that occured.

#### Training in the Mountains Arc

Nie Li:

After the battle with the Sacred Family and Dark Guild is over Zhang Ming most likely received a letter telling him that Nie Li had decided to leave Glory City in order to train and check out the Dark Guild's base. Like Lu Piao and Du Ze, he will most likely continue to train during Nie Li's absence. This has not been confirmed, but is implied.

#### Into the Nether Realm Arc

Zhang Ming's Cultivation:

While Nie Li was away from Glory City Zhang Ming and the rest of his friends focused on their training. They also visited the Dark Ruins and some other places to train, making their cultivation soar leaps and bounds.
Yu Yan:

After Nie Li's return to Glory City, Zhang Ming was one of the people he gathered in Ye Ziyun's courtyard. He introduced everyone to the Spiritual God Yu Yan and explained to them who she is.
The Group's Cultivation:

Nie Li then asked everyone to help in gathering demon spirits and some other materials. Two days later they returned to the yard and Nie Li uses the items to set down the Demon Spirit Devouring Technique. This technique will release more then enough soul force and power of law for all of them to raise their strength by leaps and bounds. Zhang Ming, and the rest of his friends, then start to cultivate within the activated array around him.
Zhang Ming's cultivation advanced very quickly as he moved through the levels of gold rank. While still cultivating in the array he noticed strange lightning energy attacking his soul realm and merged with his demon spirit to defend against it. Somehow this pure energy altered the original array and formed a Soul Array between Nie Li, Zhang Ming, and the others. By the time he left the array he was able to become a 5 star gold rank demon spiritualist.

#### Duan Jian's Revenge Arc

Nie Li:

Nie Li travels with Duan Jian to the Abyss Prison Realm to complete his need for revenge. When he returns to Glory City, Nie Li gathered everyone together and tells them that they were going to leave tomorrow and head to the Nether Realm.
Luqian Sha and Luqian Mo:

When the group had almost reached the entrance of the Nether Realm, Luqian Sha and Luqian Mo, appeared. They are the two high level legend rank demon beasts that have spent the last 10,000 years guarding over Yu Yan in the Black Spring. Nie Li and Yu Yan start to fight Luqian Sha while Duan Jian and Luo Ming fight Luqian Mo.
Zhang Ming was not strong enough to help in the fight and just stands guard nearby, however he was able to provide Nie Li and Duan Jian with more soul force trough the Soul array. Afterwards, everyone is shocked by the power of Nie Li's Draconic Bombs, Yu Yan apologizes for endangering everyone, and Nie Li searches the bodies.

#### Exploring the Nine-Layered Deathlands Arc

Luo Xiao:

After arriving in the Nether Realm, the group heads to the entrance of the Nine-Layered Deathlands where they meet Luo Xiao. They then head into the first layer of the deathlands in the search for Spiritual Origin Fruit, but get separated by a Fog of Misleading.
Duan Jian, Lu Piao, Xiao Xue, Zhu Xiangjun, Wei Nan, and Du Ze:

After some time wandering around the Nine-Layered Deathlands, Zhang Ming was able to meetup with Duan Jian, Lu Piao, Xiao Xue, Zhu Xiangjun, Wei Nan, and Du Ze. Lu Piao got thoroughly beat by a group after having tried to take their Spiritual Origin Fruit. So when Duan Jian showed up he returned the favor. He continued to hit them until the laid down and stayed down. After securing their first Spiritual Origin Fruit they continued traveling deeper into the Deathlands while fighting the occasional Skeleton.
Nie Li:

After two more days wandering the deathlands, everyone was finally reunited. At this time they had found eleven Spiritual Origin Fruits and decided to return back to the Jade Seal Family's camp at the entrance. They each ate a fruit and began to cultivate, becoming very close to legend rank.

#### The Master of Nether's Disciple Arc

Luo Xiao:

When the door to the seventh layer of the Nine-Layered Deathlands opened, a crowed of hundreds of thousands of demigod, legend, and black gold rank experts rushed through. Zhang Ming was there when Luo Xiao asked Nie Li to be careful and suggested that they enter towards the back of the line.
Lord of Nether's servants:

After entering the seventh layer, a group of powerful cultivators appeared and announced the first test. A water ball formed in front of each person. It was a test of soul force control called the Sphere of Reverse Images. To pass the test, one must feed the sphere soul force through small threads, making it grow at least one foot in diameter. However, the visible threads are fake. Nie li tells his friends that to pass the test they need to sense out the true threads. Zhang Ming was able to make the sphere grow to three feet, passing the test.
Once all those that passed were teleported to the eight layer, the Lord of Nether's servants told them that the second test would take place in the nearby Black Infernal Tower. Inside that tower are supreme black flames and all kinds of demon beasts. Although the demon beasts have been chained, they can still discharge powerful energy. They are to cultivate inside that environment for ten days. Those who can reach the Anatta Mental State of cultivation will have passed the test.
The black flames can attack a person's soul realm directly. Zhang Ming watched as several experts who did not have a strong enough soul, crippled their cultivation trying to force their was in. As they approached, Nie Li cautiously asked if everyone was alright. Because of their stronger then normal souls, Zhang Ming, along with everyone else, said that they were fine.
Duan Jian:

After entering the tower, Duan Jian's body ignited in black flames. Though it resembled what had happened to the cultivators whose soul were too weak, in actuality it was the exact opposite. Duan Jian's Black dragon body was so compatible with the black flames that it was absorbing them and strengthening his soul realm on its own.
Zhang Ming's Cultivation:

The group continued up to the second floor, where the pressure felt by the black flames was far greater. Since Duan Jian could easily cultivate by absorbing the flames without even trying, he instead stood guard to protect everyone. Zhang Ming and the rest sat down and began to cultivate. He slowly absorbed the black flames, strengthening his body and soul. As Nie Li's soul realm surged and broke through into Legend rank. The majestic wave of profound law energy flowed through the soul array, overwhelming him and causing him to jump directly to 1 star legend rank.
Celestial Qilin:

Afterward the group also headed up to the third floor, where they found a terrifyingly powerful Celestial Qilin chained up. Nie Li attempted to bargain with the demon beast. When the creature refused, Nie Li used some of Duan Jian's blood, which contains the energy from the powerful black flames, to form an inscription pattern around it. This pattern attracted more of the black flames to this location in the tower.
After cursing and threatening each other, Nie Li and the Celestial Qilin finally seemed to come to an agreement. Nie Li stopped the black flame inscription pattern in exchange for some of the Celestial Qilin's blood. However, the demon beast tossed the basin of his blood short in the hopes of tricking Nie Li into coming close enough that he could attack him. Nie Li first merged with his Fanged Panda and threw a Yin Yang Blast and Draconic Bombs at the Celestial Qilin, then he switched to his Shadow Devil. While the others distracted it with various types of attacks Nie Li was able to sneak close enough to grab the basin of blood and toss it to Du Ze. In a rage the Celestial Qilin rained dozens of lightning strikes at him. However, Nie Li simply used his void form to avoid them and make his way outside the reach of the demon beast.
Now that he had its blood, Nie Li drew an array to restrained the Celestial Qilin so that it could not attack them. He then drew a Soul Seal to transform the demon beast's body and integrate it with Du Ze's soul Realm. The seal can only be removed by Du Ze, insuring that the Celestial Qilin can not harm him, and Du Ze promised to free him after fifty years.
Nie Li:

After advancing up to the fourth floor of the tower Zhang Ming could not stand the pressure from the black flames to advance higher. Along with everyone else in the group besides Nie Li and Yu Yan, he stayed to cultivate on this floor.
The Lord of Nether:

After the test ended, Zhang Ming and everyone else were teleported to the ninth layer. Once there, he met the Lord of Nether as well as the other six ambassadors. The Lord of Nether then explained that they had all been chosen by one of the ambassadors as a disciple and will be heading to the Draconic Ruins Realm in three months to train. Once there they will not be able to return for five years. They must also form a Soul Seal with their new master to insure loyalty, as betrayal was considered a capital offense. Zhang Ming and two unknown demigod rank experts ended up forming a soul seal with one of the ambassadors.

#### Leaving for the Draconic Ruins Realm Arc

Nie Li:

Before heading back to Glory City to say goodbye, Nie Li asked for everyone to go with him to the Endless Desert in search of the Desert Palace. After entering the desert, both Nie Li and Ye Ziyun becomes lost in thought. Suddenly, with no explanation, Ye Ziyun slaps Nie Li.
The group continues to search for the mysterious Desert Palace for many days and even question if it really exists. Nie Li then enters a profound trance-like state which leads them to some ancient ruins that had long since been destroyed. Nie Li seemed to be confused and started to walk among the ruins when he suddenly fell unconscious. The group then returns to Glory City where Nie Li remained in a coma for about a month. During this time, either Ye Ziyun or Xiao Ning'er remained at his side continuously, watching over him and trying to help him recover. As soon as Nie Li regained conscious, Zhang Ming rushed over to see him and was relieved to find that he was alright.
Demon Lord:

Suddenly, the loud sounds of a nearby fight drew their attention. They found the Demon Lord attacking Ye Mo, destroying many of the buildings in the City Lord's Mansion. Zhang Ming joined Nie Li, Ye Zong, and the others in supporting Ye Mo in suppressing the Demon Lord. However, after Nie Li started to attack with the Thunder God’s Meteorite Sword, the Demon Lord felt danger and changed his tactics. Instead of facing it head on, he evaded its strike and charged in close. He grabbed Ye Zong and overpowered him with the power of Hell.
Ye Zong:

They were only able to helplessly watch as Ye Zong bravely continued to strike out at the Demon Lord, only to have his right arm brutally ripped off. The Demon Lord again demanded the Demon Spirit Stone that Ye Mo held, and proceeded to rip off Ye Zong's other arm. With no other way to save is son's life, Ye Mo threw the demon spirit stone to the Demon Lord. However, the Demon Lord then pierced through Ye Zong's chest, fatally wounding him. Knowing that his end was near, Ye Zong activated the Snow Wind Family's self destruction technique, turning himself to ice. This destroyed his soul, but allowed him to cause heavy damages to the Demon Lord as well.
Zhang Ming then watched as Nie Li executed a secret technique that quickly raised his strength and struck out at the Demon Lord. Everyone hastily moved out of the way as wave after wave of terrifying lightning energy struck the Demon Lord, destroying his arms, legs, and even his head. However, his life was saved by a Draconic Ruins Realm artifact armor as he quickly flew away. Afterward, the whole of Glory City grieved at the loss of their City Lord.
Nie Li and friends:

After a month they headed back to the Nine-Layered Deathlands, as it was time to separate and follow their individual masters into the Draconic Ruins Realm.

#### Becoming the Sect Master Arc

Nie Li:

After over a year in their separate sects, Nie li received the heaven defying Divine Phaseless Fruits from Emperor Tian Yuan, and refined a powerful Divine Elixir. He then used his many Sky Origin Divine Clan slaves to distribute the elixir to Zhang Ming and his other friends.
Ying Yueru:

Knowing that she will soon be hunted down by the Sage Emperor's Deity servants, Ying Yueru decides to visit many of Nie Li's companions and give them advice. It is not clear yet if she met up with Zhang Ming.

#### The Divine Feathers Sect's Rise Arc

Nie Li:

During this time, Zhang Ming keeps in contact with Nie Li and works to build up his cultivation and power within his sect.

## Abilities and Equipment

1. ↑ This is never said, but he was 13 when Nie Li first was reborn (【TDG】Chapter 3 – Punished Standing) and it has now been over a year since then.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 【TDG】Chapter 3 – Punished Standing
3. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 12 – Soul Realm
4. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 78 – Treasure
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 【TDG】Chapter 244 – Celestial Qilin
6. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 3 – Punished Standing
7. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 12 – Soul Realm
8. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 13 – Testing the Innate Talent!
9. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 78 – Treasure
10. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 51 – Exploded?
11. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 96 – Really want to stir the Sacred Family?
12. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 97 – Into the Heavenly Sacred Border
13. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 136 – Netherlamp Behemoth
14. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 137 – Yin-Yang Blast x2
15. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 140 – Demon Lord?
16. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 141 – Silver Winged Family
17. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 144 – Testing medicine?
18. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 147 – Raging flames of the Black Dragon
19. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 153 - Divine Explosion Inscription?
20. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 154 - Surprise attack
21. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 156 - Where is home
22. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 161 – Wicked idea
23. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 165 – Used to it
24. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 177 – Help getting out of embarrassment
25. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 188 – Journey
26. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 206 – Mysterious Demon Beast
27. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 210 – Sister goddess
28. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 211 – Demon Spirit Devouring Technique
29. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 212 – Wu Man
30. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 214 – Unusual transformation
31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 【TDG】Chapter 215 – Soul Array
32. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 220 - Legend rank expert?
33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 【TDG】Chapter 222 - Two brothers
34. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 223 – Green Poison Pearl
35. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 224 – Spiritual Origin Fruit?
36. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 225 – Zombie Jiao-dragon
37. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 231 – Broken Divine Spark
38. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 240 – Demon Lord
39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 【TDG】Chapter 241 – Disciple Selection
40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 【TDG】Chapter 242 – The Anatta Mental State
41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 【TDG】Chapter 243 – Black Infernal Refining
42. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 245 – Soul Seal
43. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 246 – Stewed Demon Phallus
44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 【TDG】Chapter 247 – Soul Seal
45. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 248 – Confrontation
46. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 253 – Master of the Nether Realm
47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 【TDG】Chapter 254 – Becoming a Disciple
48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 【TDG】Chapter 261 - Bid farewell
49. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 255 – Previous and Present Lives
50. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 256 – Desert Palace
51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 【TDG】Chapter 257 – Enemy Attack?
52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 52.2 【TDG】Chapter 258 – Hostage
53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 【TDG】Chapter 259 - Rage
54. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 260 - Hope
55. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 432 – Frightening Medicinal Effects
56. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 437 – Dreamland
57. ↑ 【TDG】Chapter 444 – Sealed