Zilong

Guardian of the Dragon Altar and oriental fighter who inherited the power of the Cloud Dragon. Zilong was taken in by the Tianyin Swordmaster Sect when he was just a child. Although the Sect is famous for its mastery of "Jian", Zilong chooses to take up the spear. Without a teacher, he practiced the basics of the spear day after day with unfailing determination. After leaving the Sect, he became a disciple of the Great Dragon under the guidance of Baxia, the Mystic Turtle, and trained at the Dragon Altar. But with the changing of times, the spirit of the Cloud Dragon appeared one day on the tip of his spear to the surprise of his peers. It was at this moment that everyone, including Zilong, realized that he had become one with the Cloud Dragon of the Eastern Fighters and had inherited the Great Dragon Spear.

Even though the spear is known as the "King of Weapons", Zilong had no desire for power. No matter where he was or who he was supposed to be, Zilong was content to protect his homeland with a spear in his hand. As long as he still breathed, peace would reign in the riverlands of Cadia.

===Why the spear?=== “Why do you train with the spear?” Duan Meng asked Zilong in front of the other disciples.

After all, this was the Tianyin Swordmaster Sect, known as the zenith of swordsmanship throughout the Cadia Riverlands. Duan Meng had traveled the Riverlands of Cadia as an assassin to hone his skills, becoming one with his sword, and was peerless shortly after joining the Sect.

Zilong was different. Even though he had been a disciple of the Sect since childhood, he only trained with the spear. As wave after wave of disciples progressed their training, from twigs to wooden swords to steel blades, Zilong continued to practice the basic spear movements: thrust, parry, shuttle.

“Why am I practicing spearing?” Zilong contemplated while looking down, while his body continued to move on its own. "I don't know."

Zilong had never thought about it. Picking up a spear was as natural to him as breathing. Do you need a reason to breathe? The watching disciples thought Zilong was disrespectful to Duan Meng and scolded him. "So can you stop training in the middle of the night? We can't rest with you making a racket."

"It's my fault. Please accept my apology."

Zilong's response was so sincere that the crowd lost interest and gradually dispersed. He changed his routine after the incident: he ventured further away to train so that no one would be disturbed, no matter the time.

Rain or shine, Zilong maintained his training. The Sect did not keep any spear technique manuals, so Zilong could only repeat the same basic movements, a thousand times, a hundred thousand times...

Behind Duan Meng, Master Longma answered his question. "He has the will, but not the talent..."

Indeed, it was not suitable.

The Tianyin Swordmaster Sect had no room for Zilong. So, Zilong packed his bags and left the sect. He had arrived alone and would leave alone. As he looked at the mountain where the disciples were training, he couldn't help but wonder

—Why did he choose the spear?

For Zilong, training with the spear was no different from eating and sleeping. The spear was simply part of his life. When he trained, his mind was clear and as long as he held the spear, the days seemed normal to him.

It wasn't until his old friend Ling and Baxia, the mystical turtle of the oriental fighters, came for Zilong that he suddenly remembered why he chose the spear. This was when Ling's life was in danger during a mission for the Finch Sect. At that moment, Zilong felt an extra weight on the spear he had swung countless times. But it wasn't a physical weight... it was something else, something deep inside. And as if something had taken over him, with fiery determination and a clear mind, he managed to save Ling.

Baxia came here specially for Zilong. He explained that Zilong was the Cloud Dragon's chosen successor and that Ling was inextricably linked to the Vermilion Bird. Since the time of the Endless War, the Four Immortals have fallen into a deep sleep and their power has been passed down among the disciples of the Great Dragon. When a mortal is chosen by an Immortal, they become an Oriental Fighter and take on the responsibility of protecting the Riverlands of Cadia.

While Baxia told the ancient story, Zilong listened and thought, and finally understood why he picked up the spear back then and followed Baxia and Ling into the dragon altar.

Baxia welcomed them as disciples in place of his master, and the three became like brothers, watching over the Dragon Altar together.

Ling was the most talented. He was ethereal and fast with the sword like the wind, and his progress was rapid. Zilong continued to train silently as during his time in the Tianyin Swordmaster Sect: executing each movement with unwavering determination. Ling often sought out Zilong to train and exchange techniques with him, but Zilong never won once.

"You have wielded this spear day after day without making any progress. What are you training for?"

» Ling asked one day after finishing their fight.

“Do I need a reason to master the spear? Zilong seemed to have returned to the days when he was in the Tianyin Swordmaster Sect.

"Everything we do has a reason. Whether it is seeking fame, fortune, life, death... There is always a reason."

“So what are you chasing?”

Zilong thought for sure that Ling would give him an answer that could guide his own path, but Ling simply jumped into the air and disappeared behind the roof tiles.

Zilong did not get a response. Ling stood in front of him and drew his sword.

That day, Ling touched the Black Dragon seal in the Dragon Altar and Baxia was forced to confront him. Unable to stop the fight and not wanting to hurt either side, Zilong used a small portion of the Cloud Dragon's power in desperation. His spear flew out like a dragon and exuded overwhelming force, and Zilong was able to deflect Ling and Baxia's attacks with a single blow.

Zilong, who had never won a sparring match against his brothers, sent them both back. Surrounded by green figures, Zilong fell into a trance.

While his mind was still fuzzy, he saw Baxia standing in front of him, looking at Ling suspiciously. He then turned his gaze to Ling, who was looking at him coldly.

“For the mission.” This was Ling's response: "For the Finch Sect, the more difficult the mission, the sharper the blade that completes it. That's all."

The night has come. As the sword and spear made contact, Ling turned and left.

Zilong wanted Ling to stay; he wanted to tell Baxia that there was nothing to worry about, but it was as if he was caught in a vast illusion. Then, a majestic voice echoed across heaven and earth.

“Why are you practicing the spear?”

The scene where he drew his spear repeated over and over in Zilong's mind until he was finally able to answer that question.

"In my opinion."

“What is ‘me’?”

"The spear is me, and I am the spear. I will follow my heart and protect what is dear to me."

A long sigh is heard, part approval and part resignation.

"When the mind is clear, the mind is whole. Continue on the path of the righteous and protect this world."

– the parting words of the Cloud Dragon.

Zilong opened his eyes as power surged around him before settling.

He thanked Baxia who was watching over him and looked in the direction Ling was heading. He knew Ling would return one day and he had his response prepared.

Saving one person or protecting this earth...the two are one. He would protect heaven and earth wherever his spear was needed, while he still breathed, and keep the Riverlands of Cadia safe.

Tranquility returned to the Dragon Altar and Zilong picked up the spear, practicing the most basic movements...

As for many years, and many more to come.

===Eastern fighters gather===

===The Spear of Faith===

===Celestial Artifact - Solar Spear===