Overview
- Liu Zhigang is recognized as the second-strongest hunter in the world and acknowledges Jinwoo’s superior strength with respect.
- Initially, Liu’s strength outmatches Jinwoo’s, but Jinwoo’s limitless potential allows him to exceed Liu’s power over time.
- Following Jinwoo’s battle against Thomas Andre, Liu offers his congratulations; however, he plays a limited role in the ensuing war arc.
The completion of Solo Leveling Season 2 leaves viewers captivated, showcasing the aftermath of the intense confrontation between Jinwoo and the Ant King. This finale highlights the global acknowledgment of Jinwoo’s extraordinary capabilities while setting the stage for exciting developments in the upcoming third season. New characters, including the mighty Monarchs Rakan and Sillad, make their entrance, along with the esteemed Liu Zhigang from China, whose striking power has already piqued fans’ interest about his role in the forthcoming season.
Liu Zhigang: The Most Powerful Chinese Hunter in Solo Leveling
Ranking as the Runner-Up: The Second Strongest Hunter Worldwide
| Hunter | Liu Zhigang |
|---|---|
| Origin | China |
| Type | National Level Hunter |
Liu Zhigang is not only a Chinese S-Rank Hunter renowned for his formidable abilities but also stands out for his masterful swordsmanship, boasting the capability to eliminate foes with a single strike. His commitment to challenging formidable opponents fuels his ambition; this desire is evident when he expresses disappointment for missing an opportunity to battle the Ant King, as he is certainly strong enough to have emerged victorious.
Unlike the overly arrogant Thomas Andre, Liu possesses confidence in his skills without crossing into arrogance. At the time of the Jeju Island incident, his strength surpassed Jinwoo’s; however, while Liu’s power growth stagnated, Jinwoo’s strength proved to be boundless. As Jinwoo gained the full abilities of the Shadow Monarch, Liu soon recognized Jinwoo’s superiority during the Japan Crisis narrative. Liu, tasked with confronting a gigantic threat at China’s borders, swiftly dispatched the enemy, only to be astonished by how rapidly Jinwoo overcame an even greater foe.
“If I’d gotten a crack at the Black Ant instead of these peons, I might’ve actually had some fun.” – Liu Zhigang
Liu’s respectful attitude towards Jinwoo’s unmatched strength is showcased during an interview where he openly acknowledges Jinwoo’s prowess, despite having the title of the second-strongest Hunter globally. Liu’s humility shone through even as Jinwoo’s ascendance threatened his standing.
Encountering Jinwoo During the International Guild Conference Arc
Praising Jinwoo’s Victory Over Thomas Andre
Following the Japan Crisis arc, Liu’s curiosity about Jinwoo drives him to request comprehensive information from the Korean Hunter Association. The evolving circumstances, including the mysterious emergence of Sung II-Hwan, a main suspect in the murder of American National Hunter Christopher Reed, added to the intrigue surrounding Jinwoo’s identity.
Having already garnered attention for besting Thomas Andre, Liu’s eagerness to meet Jinwoo only intensifies considering his father’s capabilities. At the International Guild Conference, where all notable National Hunters are invited, Liu finally interacts with the Shadow Monarch to congratulate him on his exceptional feat against Thomas Andre.
Despite his immense powers, Liu’s role in the Final War arc is somewhat diminished. While he remains present on the battlefield, he primarily engages with lesser opponents and is astonished by the scope of Jinwoo’s Shadow Army and the sheer force unleashed during Jinwoo’s confrontation with Antares, the Monarch of Destruction. Unfortunately, Liu was not fully utilized in the original manhwa series, suggesting fans might not see much of him in the anime adaptation, although there may be opportunities for original scenes that could showcase his character more prominently.