Xiang Ru Lin

Xiang Ru Lin is intelligent, perceptive and charismatic, combining the mind of a strategist with the courage expected of a Great General. He understands warfare as the manipulation of both allies and enemies, regarding the ability to make everyone on the field move according to one's design as a defining quality of a supreme commander.

He inspires intense devotion in his subordinates. His officers do not simply respect his rank; they regard serving him as the central purpose of their lives. He is nevertheless unwilling to let that loyalty become meaningless self-destruction.

Xiang Ru Lin is one of the finest strategists of his era. Li Mu describes him as a commander blessed with both intellect and courage, and his status among the Three Great Heavens places him on the same broad level of prestige as Lian Po.

His army is organized around ten exceptional generals known as the Rin Family's Ten Heroes. Yao Yun serves as his offensive "sword," while Zhao E Long functions as his defensive "shield," giving Xiang Ru Lin powerful instruments through which to execute his strategies.

Xiang Ru Lin belongs to the generation that fought Qin's original Six Great Generals. His encounters with commanders such as Qi Wang establish him as one of the legendary figures whose careers define the military world inherited by the younger generation.

An illness strikes Xiang Ru Lin while he is still in his prime. Before dying, he summons Yao Yun and Zhao E Long and orders them to continue living, entrusting them with two final instructions concerning the future of China. The other eight members of his Ten Heroes later perish in battles fought in his memory.

Years later, his legacy becomes important during Qin's invasion of western Zhao, when Yao Yun and Zhao E Long return to major warfare carrying their master's final wishes.

Lian Po is Xiang Ru Lin's fellow Three Great Heaven and close friend. Lian Po holds him in exceptionally high regard as both a commander and companion.

Yao Yun is one of Xiang Ru Lin's most trusted deputies and the offensive "sword" of his army.

Zhao E Long is another trusted deputy and serves as the defensive "shield" of Xiang Ru Lin's forces.

Qi Wang is one of the legendary Qin Great Generals Xiang Ru Lin encounters during the previous generation's wars.

Li Mu belongs to a later generation of Zhao's Three Great Heavens and speaks highly of Xiang Ru Lin's abilities and legacy.