Hou Ken, a Bushin dedicated to martial mastery, originates from a tribe seeking to end all wars. Born to benevolent chi healer parents who aided the poor, he was kidnapped as an infant by an unnamed Bushin who slaughtered his parents and their patients. His childhood consisted of grueling isolation and training under this Bushin in Zhao's mountains, emerging as an adult bearing similar tattoos, weaponry, and attire as his captor. He possesses a stoic, solitary demeanor, rarely speaking except during combat. Viewing himself as the sole being feared by the heavens, he preemptively eliminates potential threats regardless of age, as seen targeting Shin and Kyou Kai as children. He exhibits no loyalty to Zhao or any state, engaging in wars solely to challenge formidable opponents. His presence induces paralyzing fear in soldiers, and he dismisses concepts like legacy or the will of the fallen, believing only victory matters. Hou Ken's combat abilities are superhuman. His strength enables barehanded tiger kills and crushing armored soldiers. His endurance allows survival of near-fatal injuries, including facial scarring and arrow volleys. As a Bushin, he manipulates chi for offense—disrupting internal organs—and healing. His podao mastery lets him cleave through multiple armored foes effortlessly. Key techniques include body meridian manipulation for enhanced physicality and chi detection. Around 255 B.C., he encountered the wounded Zhao soldier Ri Boku. Initially intending to kill him, Hou Ken spared Ri Boku upon sensing his lost will to live, citing "voices of the earth" that destined their meeting. He healed Ri Boku and declared he would guide him to an "answer," forging their alliance. During Qin's conquest of Bayou, he slew Qin Great General Kyou after overpowering her guards, though she severely wounded him. Ou Ki intervened, scarring Hou Ken's face before Zhao arrows felled him. Presumed dead, he survived, spending three years recovering and six more training. Ri Boku later recruited him into Zhao's Three Great Heavens. At Bayou, he massacred Qin troops and dueled Shin and Kyou Kai, recognizing her as a "god summoner." He later fought Ou Ki in a prolonged duel. Though Ou Ki shattered his glaive, Gi Ka's arrow struck Ou Ki mid-finishing blow, enabling Hou Ken to land a fatal thrust. Despite "winning," he retreated unsatisfied. Years later, he invaded Yan at Kei Sha's urging, killing its Great General Geki Shin in one day but finding the conflict "boring." During the Coalition Invasion, he served in Ri Boku's covert unit. He killed Duke Hyou in a duel, though Duke Hyou broke his arm and denounced his inability to comprehend battlefield strength. At Sai's siege, he dueled Shin again, sustaining a chest wound before retreating. His final battle occurred at Shukai Plains. Confronting Shin, he dismissed Shin's growth and the Hi Shin Unit's resolve. During their duel, Shin tapped into fallen comrades' collective will, overwhelming Hou Ken's martial focus. Shin cleaved him vertically, killing him. Hou Ken's last words expressed rage at Shin and those whose "weight" fueled his defeat.