Zhang Yifan

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Zhang Yifan (张亦凡)
Alias(es)	Master Zhang; Old Master Zhang; Sword Maniac
Species/Race	Unspecified; considers himself an ordinary mortal for much of the story
Gender	Male
Occupation/Role	Farmer; renowned Fengxian County philanthropist; former martial artist; mentor and household master
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 2

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Hidden overwhelming physical power	164	Realizes he can shatter part of Sun Wukong's Golden Fillet—an item that Grand Unity Golden Immortals cannot forcibly remove—and completely destroys an Earth Immortal-level monkey with one punch.
Hunyuan Dao	246	Having attained the Hunyuan Dao, he effortlessly subdues and whips the newly ascended Hunyuan Ksitigarbha.
Great Dao level	297	Identified as a Great Dao-level expert after he subdues Old Ancestor Yang Mei with a slap, kick, and a snap that returns him from Chaos.

Background

Thirty-seven years before the Fengxian County Dharma Assembly, Zhang Yifan was a wealthy and charitable man in Fengxian County who aided poor families. He was also the martial-world figure known as the Sword Maniac, reputedly the foremost martial artist of the Western Niuhe Continent. When bandits kidnapped his three-year-old son, Zhang infiltrated their stronghold alone and killed more than a thousand bandits in one night. He then withdrew from public life for roughly thirty-five years. 151

Zhang lives at a farmhouse courtyard and presents himself as an aging rural farmer. He repeatedly seeks a way to become an Immortal, unaware that the courtyard formation temporarily stores his magical power; this restriction causes him to mistake his own overwhelming strength for ordinary martial ability. 16 164 187

His household gradually becomes a gathering place for Heavenly Court figures, Saints, primordial beings, and attendants. Although many of them recognize his terrifying status, Zhang generally treats them as family, servants, or neighbors and continues to focus on farming, cooking, and protecting those around him. 108 114 181

Appearance

Zhang Yifan usually appears as a rustic farmer in worn linen clothing, often with his sleeves and trouser legs rolled up while working in the fields. Despite his humble presentation and lack of visible magical fluctuations, he has an imposing presence when properly dressed. 35 150

• Usually dresses in coarse, practical farm clothes. 35 183
• Appears to be in his forties to outside observers, despite being regarded locally as an elder. 119
• Becomes a handsome, refined scholar-like figure after washing and changing clothes. 150
• His formal appearance is described as noble, authoritative, elegant, and charismatic. 150
• Carries an ancient three-foot iron sword when returning to the martial world. 182

Personality

Zhang Yifan is warm, generous, and protective. He has helped hundreds of local people over two decades and regards mortal lives as priceless, willingly confronting Buddha Burning Lamp when County Marquis Shangguan's family is threatened. 119 183

He is also casual and humorous, frequently teasing powerful visitors without recognizing their actual status. He prefers sunbathing, drinking wine, farming, and spending time with his family over pursuing power or dealing with Saints. 16

When his family or associates are threatened, Zhang becomes stern and decisive. He reprimands those who disrupt household harmony, personally confronts enemies, and is willing to use overwhelming force against Ksitigarbha and Old Ancestor Yang Mei. 81 246 297

Abilities & Skills

Overwhelming Physical Strength

Zhang's raw strength far exceeds the realm he believes himself to possess.

• Pinched and shattered part of Sun Wukong's Golden Fillet, which even Grand Unity Golden Immortals could not forcibly remove or break. 164
• Destroyed an Earth Immortal-level monkey created from Sun Wukong's body hair with a single punch. 164
• Can suppress powerful beings without visible magical fluctuations. 54 246
• Slapped Old Ancestor Yang Mei into the ground, kicked him into Chaos, and recalled him instantly with a snap of his fingers. 297

Hunyuan and Great Dao Power

After openly exercising his power in the Netherworld, Zhang proves capable of overwhelming Saints and Hunyuan experts.

• Stood in the void above the Eighteen Levels of Hell despite previously believing he could not fly. 244
• Brutally subdued Hunyuan-realm Ksitigarbha with the transformed Yellow Springs Road. 246
• Intimidated Netherworld Patriarch Minghe, Great Immortal Zhen Yuanzi, and Saint Jieyin into answering his summons. 246 248
• Strengthened the Great Tang's Destiny Golden Dragon with a formless power of the Great Dao. 394

Dao Knowledge and Guidance

Zhang possesses extensive knowledge of cultivation, primordial history, world advancement, and the Three Realms' political structure.

• Revealed two methods for advancing the Primordial Era World: stopping the Journey to the West Tribulation and killing Hongjun, or gathering 108 Grand Perfection Primordial Chaos Grand Unity Golden Immortals for a promotion ceremony. 4
• Guided the Jade Emperor on asserting Heavenly Court authority and pursuing control of the Human Dao. 8 120
• Explained the requirements for the Earthly Dao's rise: Yin Tianzi, the Yellow Springs Army, and the Ghost Cultivation Great Dao. 313
• Exposed Dao Ancestor Hongjun's origins as an earthworm that evolved into an Earth Dragon. 284
• Taught the Howling Celestial Dog how to address the flaw in the Five-Five Split Great Dao War God Art through “Borrowing the False to Cultivate the True.” 380

Cooking, Wine, and Enlightenment Tea

Zhang's ordinary-seeming food and drink contain fragments of Great Dao Laws that can raise cultivation and deepen comprehension.

• His wine raised Taibai Jinxing from late-stage Golden Immortal to mid-stage Grand Unity Golden Immortal. 2
• His food and Enlightenment Tea contain Great Dao Law fragments and are coveted by figures such as Sect Master Tongtian and Yang Jian. 15
• A meal prepared by Zhang raised Li Er from Heavenly Immortal to late-stage Golden Immortal and advanced the cultivation of Wenzhong and Golden Spirit Holy Mother. 83
• Offers Enlightenment Tea even while reprimanding Saints for neglecting their responsibilities toward the Netherworld. 248

Swordsmanship

As the Sword Maniac, Zhang is an unmatched mortal martial artist whose sword embodies a terrifying Dao presence.

• Once annihilated a thousand-man bandit stronghold in a single night with one sword. 151
• Is recognized as the top martial artist on the Western Niuhe Continent's martial arts rankings. 151
• Wields an ancient iron sword that Sect Master Tongtian perceives as the Great Dao of the Sword itself. 182
• Agreed to teach Sect Master Tongtian his Way of the Sword if given the opportunity. 182

Restrictions

Zhang's self-perceived lack of cultivation is caused by an external restriction rather than an absence of power.

• The formation in his home temporarily collects and stores his magical power. 16
• Cannot normally retain true qi or use magical power, leading him to believe he is mortal. 154 164
• Needed magical power transferred from the Jade Emperor and others to open his owner-bound storage ring. 187

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Ancient iron sword — Zhang's former weapon as the Sword Maniac; its aura terrifies even Sect Master Tongtian. 182
• Wine gourd — Used for drinking and later sought after when Liu Chenxiang takes it. 313 394
• Storage ring — Owner-bound ring containing ancient chests and cultivation manuals. 187 188
• Yellow Springs Road — Temporarily transformed into a black whip for Zhang to punish Ksitigarbha before returning to its original form. 246
• Enlightenment Tea — Tea containing fragments of Great Dao Laws. 15 248

Relationships

• Jade Emperor — Zhang's son; the Jade Emperor addresses him as “Dad,” seeks his advice, and shows strong filial devotion. 2 8 244
• Queen Mother — Daughter-in-law through the Jade Emperor; visits Zhang's farmhouse with the celestial family. 6 108
• Seven Fairies — Zhang's granddaughters, who affectionately visit his courtyard. 6 8
• Yang Jian — Grandson who calls Zhang “Grandpa”; leaves cultivation manuals for him and remains devoted to his household. 16 108
• Yang Chan — Granddaughter and Jade Emperor's Special Envoy; deeply respects Zhang and relies on his guidance. 181 220
• Nuwa — Addresses Zhang as “Old Ancestor”; shares a close, trusting relationship with him. 46 111
• Houtu — Mentee and ally in the Netherworld; seeks his guidance on strengthening the Earthly Dao. 56 244 313
• Sect Master Tongtian — Calls Zhang “Grandpa” and seeks to learn from his swordsmanship, food, and teachings. 15 182
• Primeval Lord of Heaven — One of Zhang's attendants; initially reluctant but accepts service after learning of the benefits of Zhang's household. 111 114
• Suirenshi — Attendant trusted with protecting Du Fu for fifteen years. 114 317
• Ao Bing — Attendant who assists Zhang with household matters and clothing. 150
• Chai Dao / Cleaver — Household servant and kitchen assistant; appointed to chop vegetables and learn Zhang's knife skills. 108
• Zhang Guo / Pot Master — Household servant and fire tender seeking Zhang's Dao of Kitchen Fire. 108
• Sun Wukong — Seeks Zhang's help with the Golden Fillet and reveals the extent of Zhang's strength. 151 164
• Howling Celestial Dog — Receives the Five-Five Split Great Dao War God Art and later Zhang's guidance on refining it. 188 380
• Bai Susu — Zhang's wife; identified as the Empress who rescued Old Ancestor Yang Mei from giants in Chaos. 299
• Ksitigarbha — Adversary whom Zhang defeats and punishes for his actions in the Netherworld. 244 246
• Old Ancestor Yang Mei — Subdued by Zhang after returning from Chaos with information about a new world. 297 299

Story Role / Major Arcs

Fengdu City Incident

Zhang accidentally enters Fengdu City while searching for what he believes is an immortal secret realm. His lifespan in the Book of Life and Death rises from fifty-eight years to 99.999 billion years before the treasure spontaneously combusts under the pressure surrounding him. 53 54 56

Fengxian County Dharma Assembly

Zhang attends Tang Sanzang's Dharma assembly to seek cultivation methods. Instead, he challenges Tang Sanzang's teachings, disrupts the Western Teachings' plans, and becomes known throughout the Three Realms. 151 152 155 168

Discovery of His Own Strength

After Sun Wukong asks for help removing the Golden Fillet, Zhang shatters it and destroys an Earth Immortal-level opponent, finally beginning to suspect that he is not an ordinary mortal. 164

Return of the Sword Maniac

When Buddha Burning Lamp threatens Fengxian County's residents to draw him out, Zhang retrieves his old sword and returns to the martial world after more than thirty years. 182 183

Netherworld Reckoning

Zhang learns of Ksitigarbha's actions against Houtu, confronts him in the Netherworld, attains the Hunyuan Dao, and publicly demonstrates strength that frightens Saints and primordial experts. 244 246 248

Chaos and the New World

Zhang subdues Old Ancestor Yang Mei at Huoyun Cave and learns of another world in Chaos, its Great Dao-level giants, and the intervention of his wife Bai Susu. 297 299

Notable Quotes

“I just want to bask in the sun every day, drink a little wine, and be a lazy bum. I'm not interested in those Saints.” 16

“Life is priceless; you must cherish it.” 183

“Let the name Sword Maniac shine once more.” 182

“I might actually be a little bit amazing?” 164

Trivia

• Zhang believes in Marx, a statement that surprises everyone around him. 119
• He has assisted “no less than eight hundred, if not a thousand” people in the area around Fengxian County over twenty years. 119
• Despite his status, he routinely performs household chores such as farming, cooking, cleaning, and tending animals. 35 108 181
• His courtyard can suppress the cultivation of visitors, including the Jade Emperor, Queen Mother, and Seven Fairies. 6