Fan Tian Lei

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Fan Tian Lei (范天雷)
Alias(es)	Old Fan; “Fan Tian Pit”
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Wolf Fang Special Forces Brigade / Wolf Fang Special Forces Base; later Dark Blade (Logistics 9th Rapid Reaction Brigade) 4 662 766
Occupation/Role	Colonel; Chief of Staff; former Special Forces soldier; special-forces trainer and commander 3 4 466 766
First Appearance	Chapter 3

Background

Fan Tian Lei took a personal interest in Jiang Yan Hai before Jiang’s recruitment into Wolf Fang. Having reviewed all eighteen years of Jiang’s records, he considered him a highly self-disciplined genius with the potential to become an outstanding general. Concerned by Jiang’s abrupt decline during basic training, Fan arranged for his superiors and squad leader to watch over him, then investigated the situation himself. 3

After seeing Jiang’s recovery and extreme training, Fan formally introduced himself as the Wolf Fang Special Forces Brigade’s Chief of Staff. He argued that Jiang should be given another opportunity despite the pressure and criticism it would bring, believing that pressure could motivate a soldier capable of bearing it. 4 5

During the Blue Army exercise, Fan led a twelve-man special-forces team and was personally eliminated by Jiang’s sniper fire. Though furious when his team later fell to Jiang’s traps, he recognized Jiang’s extraordinary potential and persuaded Kang Lei to allow Jiang’s transfer to Wolf Fang. 34 36

Fan later became a central supporter of Jiang’s development, approving his independent study, assigning specialized missions, seeking his advice on assessments, and protecting his classified information. As Jiang’s capabilities expanded into weapons research, aviation, and large-scale command, Fan struggled with the question of whether Jiang was more valuable on the battlefield or in research. 82 155 369

He was subsequently appointed Chief of Staff of Dark Blade, the externally designated Logistics 9th Rapid Reaction Brigade, alongside Kang Lei as Deputy Brigade Commander. 665 666 766

Personality

Fan Tian Lei combines a stern command presence with a calculating, humorous approach to training. He often engineers difficult scenarios or “traps” to expose weaknesses, preferring controlled failure over unearned success when developing recruits. 58 155

Despite this reputation, he is attentive to his soldiers’ welfare and potential. He worries about Jiang’s physical and mental condition, keeps sensitive medical findings confidential, supports Jiang’s self-directed education, and emphasizes that exceptional soldiers must be protected as valuable national assets. 82 99 115

He is willing to accept criticism and adapt his methods. When Jiang challenged the realism of his proposed final assessment, Fan listened, sought his advice, and supported a more ambitious exercise despite its high cost and logistical demands. 156 157

Abilities & Skills

Special-Operations Command

A lifelong Special Forces soldier, Fan possesses extensive operational experience and remains a capable combatant despite his staff position. 32 35

• Led a twelve-man special-forces team during the Blue Army exercise. 34
• Identifies tactical failures immediately, including poor trap awareness and inadequate field discipline. 34
• Recognizes the changing demands of modern warfare, particularly the importance of information security and electronic warfare. 71

Training and Personnel Assessment

Fan is highly skilled at identifying talent and tailoring pressure-based training to individual soldiers.

• Recognized Jiang Yan Hai’s potential before his recovery was apparent to others and personally intervened to ensure he was monitored. 3
• Secured Jiang’s transfer from the Iron Fist Regiment after concluding that conventional positional warfare would waste his special-forces potential. 36
• Uses failures, psychological pressure, and realistic scenarios to test recruits’ resilience and character. 58 156
• Approved Jiang’s request for a PAD and professional books, provided training performance was not affected. 82
• Recruited Jiang back to Wolf Fang to deal with arrogant but skilled trainees whom standard methods had failed to discipline. 465 466

Operational Planning and Coordination

Fan supports unconventional training, cross-unit cooperation, and the practical adoption of Jiang’s technical innovations.

• Entrusted Jiang with the sensitive Fire Phoenix infiltration and disguise-training assignment. 123 124
• Consulted Jiang when designing a simulated final assessment and escalated the costly exercise plan for military-region approval. 155 157
• Reported the Type 10 sniper-rifle improvements and later arranged testing for Jiang’s assault-rifle design. 127 369
• Coordinated personnel, equipment, and organizational plans for Dark Blade alongside Kang Lei and Jiang. 666 738 826

Relationships

• Jiang Yan Hai — Commander, mentor, and later close collaborator. Fan recognizes Jiang’s potential early, recruits him into Wolf Fang, supports his studies and missions, and later relies on his judgment for training, technology, and force development. 3 36 82 155 471
• Kang Lei — Longtime friend and fellow commander, addressed as Fan’s “old brother.” They initially negotiate Jiang’s transfer from the Iron Fist Regiment and later work together on Dark Blade’s formation. 5 30 36 666
• Chen Shan Ming — Subordinate and training associate. Chen often handles direct discipline while Fan establishes broader training pressure and objectives. 30 34 78
• He Zhi Jun — Wolf Fang Brigade Commander and Fan’s superior, who coordinates with Fan on Jiang’s missions, security matters, and awards. 123 415
• He Chen Guang — A recruit Fan treats as particularly outstanding; Jiang notices that Fan and the other instructors give him special attention during assessment planning. 156
• Fire Phoenix — Fan assigns Jiang to infiltrate and train the all-female special-operations team, later approving Jiang’s request to draw personnel from the unit for further training. 124 471

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Jiang Yan Hai’s recovery and recruitment — Investigates Jiang’s sudden change during basic training, observes his performance, and helps move him from the Iron Fist Regiment to Wolf Fang. 3 5 36
• Blue Army exercise — Commands the opposing special-forces side, is eliminated by Jiang’s sniper fire, and witnesses Jiang dismantle much of Wolf Fang’s force through sniping and traps. 34 39
• Wolf Fang selection and Red Cell development — Oversees harsh selection methods, approves Jiang’s learning plans, and uses Jiang’s strengths to improve the brigade’s training methods. 58 82 100
• Fire Phoenix assignment and final assessment — Sends Jiang to train Fire Phoenix in disguise and infiltration, then recruits him to help construct a realistic psychological assessment for new special-forces soldiers. 124 156 170
• Technology and aviation support — Handles reporting and testing for Jiang’s weapon designs, supports his helicopter training, and considers how to balance Jiang’s combat role with his research talent. 238 369
• Dark Blade formation — Serves as a key organizer and eventual Chief of Staff for the tri-service experimental force developed around Jiang’s strategic plans. 662 666 766 933

Notable Quotes

“Pressure is also motivation. Since he wants to play like this, he has to bear this pressure.” 5

“We’re not afraid of this kid failing. Failure would be best. What he lacks right now isn’t success, but failure.” 58

“You are now state property!” 115