Xie Jiuyi

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Xie Jiuyi (谢九一)
Alias(es)	Imperial Astronomy Bureau Lieutenant; Squad Leader Xie; Sub-Squad Leader Xie
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Imperial Astronomy Bureau
Occupation/Role	Ghost- and demon-slaying cultivator; escort and handler of the Heavenly Mechanism Coffin
Cultivation	Qi Refinement into Essence realm; considers himself average within the realm 30
Status	Alive 47
First Appearance	Chapter 22

Background / History

Xie Jiuyi was one of more than a hundred beggars adopted by the Imperial Astronomy Bureau as a child. Because he was the ninety-first among them, the captain who taught him ghost-slaying and demon-subduing methods named him “Jiuyi” (“ninety-one”). He regards the Bureau as having raised and taught him, and is prepared to give his life in repayment. 23 38

As an Imperial Astronomy Bureau Lieutenant, Xie specialized in methods for killing ghosts and eliminating demons. At the time he met Fan Wu, his recorded attributes were Vitality 299, Strength 7.7, and the skills Hundred Killings Divine Path Technique, Seven Seals of Demon Suppression, and the Imperial Astronomy Bureau 16th Edition Comprehensive Talisman Guide. 22

While covertly escorting the Heavenly Mechanism Coffin toward Baihe County with the Huwei Escort Agency, Xie and the caravan became trapped in a Ghost-Obscuring Illusory Array. He entered a ghost-filled inn alongside Fan Wu, where anomalous entities demanded the coffin. Although capable of killing ghosts with talismans, he was overwhelmed by the number of enemies until Fan Wu destroyed the horde and the strange shadow controlling it. 23 25 29

After reaching Baihe County, Xie helped investigate and contain the increasingly restless Heavenly Mechanism Coffin. When it attempted to escape, he arrived injured but successfully resealed it with a large stack of talismans. He later interpreted its plea for help with Shen Jiyue, concluding that enemies connected to the earlier attack were pursuing it. 36 37

Xie and Shen Jiyue defended the coffin against the ghost groom and ghost bride in Willow Alley. The ghost groom severely injured Xie despite his defensive talisman, and the pair were ultimately saved when Fan Wu intervened and destroyed the combined entity. Afterward, Xie accepted Fan Wu’s information linking the attackers to the Great Venerable and participated in the Bureau’s cleanup and recovery operation. 39 45 46 47

Appearance

Xie Jiuyi has a notably high-pitched, somewhat effeminate voice that contrasts with his work as an Imperial Astronomy Bureau ghost-slayer. Shen Jiyue is described as a full head taller than him. 23 40

• Wears and carries numerous yellow talismans inscribed in red. 25
• Can appear disheveled and bloodied after combat; he arrived at the Heavenly Mechanism Coffin incident smelling faintly of blood. 36
• His distinctive voice allows Shen Jiyue to recognize him immediately during battle. 39

Personality

Xie is unusually open and friendly with strangers, readily introducing both his Bureau position and the origin of his name to Fan Wu. His manner is polite and deferential toward stronger cultivators, especially after witnessing Fan Wu’s physical power. 22 23 45

He is dutiful and courageous under pressure. Though visibly nervous when facing unfamiliar anomalies or lacking sufficient talismans, he does not abandon his assignment and is willing to die to protect the Heavenly Mechanism Coffin. 37 38

Xie is also observant and experienced with supernatural threats. He identifies the danger posed by incense-powered evil gods, recognizes when ordinary ghost-slaying methods are insufficient, and notices the recurring hostility anomalous entities display toward Fan Wu. 26 40

Abilities & Skills

Qi Refinement into Essence

Xie is a cultivator at the Qi Refinement into Essence realm.

• Describes this as the first of four known cultivation realms: Qi Refinement into Essence, Qi Refinement into Spirit, Spirit Refinement into Void, and Void Unification with Dao. 30
• States that his own cultivation is only average among practitioners of his realm. 30
• Recorded physical attributes include Vitality 299 and Strength 7.7. 22

Hundred Killings Divine Path Technique

A mandatory Imperial Astronomy Bureau technique used to combat ghosts and resist supernatural effects.

• Recites its scripture to counter the strange shadow’s piercing wails. 29
• Channels power through talismans to produce golden attacks capable of piercing and dispersing evil ghosts. 25
• Uses a sword-finger technique after biting his fingertip and chanting, dispersing a vengeful spirit. 39

Seven Seals of Demon Suppression

A Bureau demon-suppression technique listed among Xie’s skills. 22

• Forms hand seals to create a thin protective barrier that blocks Yin energy from eroding his body. 23
• Uses hand seals and talismans while handling supernatural threats. 23 36

Talisman Use and Sealing

Xie is proficient with Imperial Astronomy Bureau talismans and sealing procedures.

• Fires golden talisman-light that pins and destroys evil ghosts. 25
• Uses the Body Protection Vajra Talisman to survive the ghost groom’s attack; the talisman turns to ash after protecting him. 39
• Reseals the Heavenly Mechanism Coffin by affixing numerous talismans and activating them with a hand seal and incantation. 36
• His standard seal on the coffin is intended to last five shichen, though the coffin later operates independently without damaging any of his talismans. 37

Equipment / Items

• Talismans — Used for offense, defense, barrier formation, and sealing. 23 25 36 39
• Body Protection Vajra Talisman — Consumed to protect him from the ghost groom’s strike. 39
• Heavenly Mechanism Coffin — A special anomalous entity entrusted to Xie for covert transport to Baihe County; it can divine anomalous events, answer questions, and possesses some consciousness. 37

Relationships

• Fan Wu — Initially a fellow traveler and reluctant ally during the ghost-inn incident. Xie repeatedly witnesses Fan’s overwhelming power, comes to address him as “Daoist Master,” and credits him with saving his life twice. 23 25 45 46
• Shen Jiyue — Imperial Astronomy Bureau colleague and fellow Squad Leader. They jointly assess the Heavenly Mechanism Coffin’s warning and divide their defense against the ghost groom and bride. 36 37 38
• Heavenly Mechanism Coffin — Xie was assigned to transport and seal the coffin; its autonomous behavior leaves him uncertain how to proceed, but he remains committed to protecting it. 36 37
• Huwei Escort Agency / Escort Leader Lin — Xie traveled under their escort while transporting the coffin and instructed them to remain outside the ghost inn to protect the cargo. 23 28

Notable Quotes

“Supreme Elder Lord, teach me to kill ghosts!” 25

“Back then, if Fellow Daoist Fan hadn't been there, I might not have had the chance to even reach Baihe County.” 37