The Butterfly Murders

An outsider invited to investigate the murders who narrates the story, offering a traveler’s perspective on the events. He moves between participant and observer, using sharp perception to detect hidden motives. His dual stance makes him both a suspect and a solver, balancing skepticism with engagement. He uncovers how truth is constructed within Jianghu's treacherous politics.

The current master of Shen's Family Fort, whose authority becomes a target of the murders. He falls victim to the butterfly killers in a twist that redefines his identity as Yu Zhen, the deceased fourth brother of the 'Four Phases.' His death exposes the futility of control in a world ruled by schemes and family grudges. His leadership sets the stage for the fort's unraveling.

A member of the 'Seventy-two Smokes' gang who becomes entangled in the investigation. He’s drawn into the plot's moral ambiguities and exploited in Yu Zhen's plan. His actions illustrate loyalty tested by greed and the pressures of gang rivalry. In the end, his fate reminds that alliances are fragile.

A key participant in the investigation, operating under the alias 'Green Shadow.' She navigates the shifting loyalties of the fort, balancing restraint and aggression. Her presence adds a layer of cunning and quiet resolve to the pursuit of truth. She embodies the elusive nature of information in Jianghu.

Shen Qing’s wife, who urges patience and seeks to wait for the three brothers before acting. Her caution highlights the tension between personal safety and communal duty. She embodies the fear and prudence that accompany life in a fortress under threat. Her stance anchors the domestic front of the political tempest.

One of the three brothers of the 'Four Phases of Heavenly Thunder' who embodies a martial-artist persona with precise, multi-strike techniques. His presence underscores the theme of inherited power and ritual violence. He acts as a cunning and disciplined force within the brotherhood. His actions sway the balance of power around Shen's Fort.

Another brother of the Heavenly Thunder trio, known for formidable speed and power. He represents a facet of the trio’s deadly precision. His role amplifies the sense of an inescapable destiny and shared fate among the brothers. The three brothers collectively drive the plot’s escalation.

The third brother of the Heavenly Thunder trio, whose actions reveal how numbers and rank subtend brutal authority. He contributes to the growing sense of inevitability around the murders. His involvement shows the far-reaching reach of Yu Zhen’s manipulation and the brothers’ complicity.