Qing Cang: The Villain and Tragic Hero of Eternal Love

Qing Cang is a major antagonist in Tang Qi Gong Zi’s novel Eternal Love (also known as Three Lives Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms) and its adaptations in TV series and film. He serves as the final Boss of the story, formerly the Lord of the Ghost Tribe (referred to as the Wing Tribe in the TV series) and the father of Li Jing (or former Lord, depending on the version). This character is known for his rebellious nature, his ambition to rule the world, and his complex relationship with protagonists like Mo Yuan and Ye Hua.

Background and Personality

• Background: Qing Cang is a powerful leader of the Ghost Tribe (or Wing Tribe in the TV series), laying the foundation for the tribe’s strength. However, his ambition to expand his territory sparked the “Wing Tribe Rebellion,” ultimately leading to his imprisonment in the Eastern Bell by Mo Yuan.
• Personality: Arrogant, cruel, but also possessing a unique romanticism. He has a “fondness for cut sleeves” (meaning he is attracted to men), particularly infatuated with Mo Yuan’s ninth disciple, Ling Yu. This affection is both intense and possessive, ultimately leading to many tragedies.

Role in the Plot

• Relationship with Ling Yu:

  Qing Cang abducts Ling Yu and Si Yin (i.e., Bai Qian) to Da Zi Ming Palace, claiming he will marry Ling Yu as his “Queen.” In the TV series, this plot is adapted to him wanting to adopt Ling Yu as his adopted son.

  Even after being rejected by Ling Yu, Qing Cang persists in his pursuit, even saving Ling Yu when he attempts suicide multiple times. This obsession is one of the causes of the war with the Celestial Tribe.

• The Wing Tribe Rebellion and Ending:

  After Mo Yuan rescues Ling Yu, Qing Cang is furious and launches a war. He uses the Eastern Bell – a magical artifact with destructive power – but is ultimately sealed within it by Mo Yuan.

  Tens of thousands of years later, he tries to break the seal twice:

  • The first time, he is pushed back into the Eastern Bell by Bai Qian (i.e., Si Yin).
  • The second time, Ye Hua – Mo Yuan’s twin brother – sacrifices himself to completely eliminate him, and Qing Cang’s primordial spirit is destroyed.

Unique Aspects

• Unrequited Love: Even as an antagonist, Qing Cang’s deep affection for Ling Yu is still impressive. In the extra chapter “Year After Year,” the author hints that before his death, he still longed to see Ling Yu one last time and congratulate him on his 130,000th birthday.
• Differences between Novel and TV Series:
  • In the novel, Qing Cang is described as “Li Jing’s father,” but the TV series changes this to “the former Wing Tribe Lord” to better fit the background.
  • Actor Lian Yiming played the role in the 2017 TV series version, impressing with his dignified aura and complex inner world.

Symbolic Meaning

Qing Cang represents endless ambition and destruction stemming from hatred. However, the character also reflects the loneliness of those who hold the highest power – even if they conquer the world, they cannot obtain the love they desire. Qing Cang’s death not only ends an era but also opens a new cycle for Bai Qian and Ye Hua’s three lifetimes of love.