Zhou Mili

Overview

Zhou Mili (周米粒), self-proclaimed as the "Yaba Lake Great Water Monster" (哑巴湖大水怪), is a Cave-Dwelling Realm (洞府境) water spirit originally from Beiju Luzhou. Rescued from the machinations of local mountain sects by Chen Ping'an, she followed him back to Baoping Continent and eventually became the Right Protector of Luopo Mountain (落魄山右护法).

Despite her low cultivation base and diminutive stature, Zhou Mili is one of the most beloved and well-respected figures on Luopo Mountain. She diligently patrols the mountains twice a day without fail and acts as the resident "news gatherer" (耳报神) of the sect. Her pure, innocent nature has unknowingly won her the affection and protective blessings of some of the most powerful beings across the various worlds, including supreme sword immortals, ancient Daoist patriarchs, and great demons.

Appearance and Personality

Zhou Mili appears as a small, slightly comical young girl dressed in a black magic robe (黑色法袍). She has a round face with two sparse, pale yellow eyebrows (疏淡微黄的眉毛) that she often furrows when trying to think deeply or act stern. She is rarely seen without her signature equipment: a green bamboo hiking stick (绿竹行山杖), a small golden carrying pole (金扁担), and a cotton cross-body bag (棉布挎包) she proudly calls her "Master Hall" (祖师堂).

Personality-wise, Zhou Mili is exceptionally innocent, cheerful, and endearingly timid, though she constantly tries to project the aura of a fierce, seasoned martial arts veteran ("老江湖"). When embarrassed, confused, or caught in a lie, she habitually scratches her face or head. She is fiercely loyal to Chen Ping'an, whom she affectionately calls "Good Person Mountain Lord" (好人山主), and strictly adheres to the mountain's easygoing but upright customs. She treats everyone with genuine warmth, keeping her cotton bag stocked with sunflower seeds (瓜子) and dried river fish (小鱼干) to share with guests and friends.

History

Origins and Meeting Chen Ping'an

Zhou Mili was originally an obscure water spirit residing in Yaba Lake. She caught the attention of various local cultivators; the Qingqing Mansion (青磬府) caused a massive commotion to capture her, intending to sell her to Qian Gou Country or Jin Wu Palace for a mere two Guyu coins. Fortunately, she encountered Chen Ping'an, who spent a heavy sum to buy her freedom.

She accompanied Chen Ping'an on his travels through Beiju Luzhou. During this journey, Chen Ping'an gave her the name "Zhou Mili". Her surname "Zhou" (周) was derived from her earnest desire to be "thoughtful and accommodating" (周到). At Chunlu Manor, Cui Dongshan helped solidify her physical form by unlocking her orifice with a tap to the forehead.

Life on Luopo Mountain

Upon arriving in Baoping Continent, she initially served as the Right Protector of Qilong Alley (骑龙巷右护法) before being "promoted" to the Right Protector of Luopo Mountain. She quickly became inseparable from Chen Ping'an's founding disciple, Pei Qian, accompanying the "Chief Helmsman" on daily mountain patrols and helping to "suppress" the resident dog (the Left Protector).

While Chen Ping'an was trapped in the Sword Qi Great Wall for years, Zhou Mili remained on Luopo Mountain, dutifully waiting for his return. Her daily routine involved patrolling the mountain paths, chatting with the gatekeepers (like Zheng Dafeng or Xian Wei), and visiting Zhu Lian and Wei Bo.

Unknowing Encounters with Legends

Because of her innocent and unassuming nature, Zhou Mili frequently befriended terrifyingly powerful entities without ever realizing their true identities:

• Bai Ye: She sat with the supreme sword immortal Bai Ye, chatting about daily mountain life, and enthusiastically "lent" him some of her happiness (开心) by tapping her fist into his palm, easing the melancholy of the great poet.
• Wu Shuangjiang: The master of Sui Chu Palace gifted her three priceless scholar's treasures (an ancient inkstone, a bamboo pen, and Qibao inkpad).
• Lu Yan (Chunyang Daoist): The Daoist patriarch gifted her a priceless "Dragon Gate Talisman" (龙门符) capable of aiding any water spirit in crossing the dragon gate.
• Xiao Mo: The ancient sword cultivator gifted her a heavy bag of golden melon seeds (金瓜子) upon their first meeting.

Cultivation and Abilities

Zhou Mili's cultivation is remarkably low, stagnating at the Cave-Dwelling Realm (洞府境). She possesses no significant combat abilities or destructive magical spells.

However, her true "power" lies in her immense karmic fortune and the absolute protection guaranteed by Luopo Mountain. Anyone who dares to harm or bully the Right Protector would simultaneously incur the wrath of Chen Ping'an, Pei Qian, Cui Dongshan, Bai Ye, and numerous other top-tier cultivators across multiple continents.

Her personal "Treasury" (the cotton bag) contains items of astronomical value given to her by various grandmasters, though she simply treats them as precious gifts from friends.

Relationships

• Chen Ping'an: Her savior and the person she reveres most. She relies on him completely, and her greatest joy is simply knowing that the "Good Person Mountain Lord" has returned home.
• Pei Qian: Her best friend and frequent partner in mischief. Before Pei Qian grew up and matured, they were an inseparable duo, with Zhou Mili acting as Pei Qian's enthusiastic sidecock and "Right Protector".
• Chen Nuanshu: The gentle manager of Luopo Mountain. Zhou Mili adores her and relies on her for daily care, snacks, and new clothes.
• Chen Lingjun (Jing Qing): A fellow water-attribute spirit. They often hang out, with Zhou Mili eagerly listening to Chen Lingjun's heavily exaggerated tales of worldly adventures.
• Zhu Lian: Known to her as the "Old Cook" (老厨子). She loves watching him weave baskets and cook, and he often makes custom clothes for her, such as her miniature black hero's cloak.

Quotes

• "Good Person Mountain Lord!" (好人山主！)
• "I am the Yaba Lake Great Water Monster, I'm very fierce!" (我是哑巴湖大水怪，我可凶可凶！)
• "Don't be angry, walking the rivers and lakes requires a big heart!" (又不生气，出啥气？行走江湖要大气！)
• "Ha, Bai sir, don't be sad, I'll lend you some of my happiness and joy!" (哈，白先生，别伤心，我借你些开心和高兴！)

References

• 剑来16：月色入高楼，第四章 — 让你三拳: Details Chen Ping'an giving her the name Zhou Mili, and Cui Dongshan officially tapping her forehead to solidify her form.
• 剑来18：我与我周旋，第十章 — 此中有真意: Showcases her early life on Luopo Mountain, hanging out with Pei Qian, and her pride in her title as Right Protector.
• 剑来24：新酒等旧人，第九章 — 先问三拳: Details her origins at Yaba Lake, her near-sale to other sects, and Chen Ping'an buying her freedom.
• 剑来33：城头刻新字，第五章 — 猜错的谜底: Records the encounter where Wu Shuangjiang gifts Zhou Mili three priceless scholar's treasures.
• 剑来41：山青花欲燃，第四章 — 关门弟子: Covers the event where Lu Yan (Chunyang Daoist) gives her the Dragon Gate Talisman while she is acting as the mountain's gatekeeper.
• 剑来45：彩云一片城，第九章 — 白也诗剑两无敌: Details her heartwarming conversation with the supreme sword immortal Bai Ye, where she "lends" him her happiness.