About Hua Cheng:
Hua Cheng (花城 flower, city) is the deuteragonist of TGCF. He was an orphaned boy who was often associated with bad luck due to the sayings of a prophet who accused him of being a “creature of misfortune that will bring great misery to the world”. However, after meeting Xie Lian at age 8, who instantly believed him not to be a threat after crying his heart out in the young man’s arms, he decided to dedicate his life to serving the only person who ever saw the good in him, his prince and later on his god. During the story, he finds Xie Lian again after centuries of searching and strives to stay by his side and keep him company.
Appearance:
Being a supreme ghost, Hua Cheng has powerful shape-shifting abilities, meaning that he can take many forms. At 8 years, back when he was named “Hong Hong-er”, he was a boy a bit too short for his age, clearly malnourished, with multiple bandages covering his face through which, one could only see an eye black as a void. Later, when he went by the alias “Wu Ming”, he was clanned in all-black armor, a high ponytail and a smiling mask which covered his whole face. At the start of the story, when Hua Cheng and Xie Lian meet for the “first” time, he has taken the appearance of a 17 year old boy in maple red, high quality robes and a loose ponytail, always accompanied by a foxy expression. During the “Ghost City Rescue Mission” arc, Hua Cheng reveals his true form to Xie Lian, which appears to be that of young lord in his 20s, adorned in fancy robes, jewelry and accessories as one would expect from a man of his status.
Personality:
Although Hua Cheng is a powerful ghost, he isn’t outright evil nor does he engage in barbaric acts like his peers. He has a love for collecting weapons and artifacts, some of which are thousands of years old. He is charismatic and intelligent, with an evident confidence in his abilities and an aloof attitude. Towards most people, he seems uninterested and goes out of his way to offend them and strike fear into them. On the contrary, he treats Xie Lian with utmost gentleness, care and respect.