Chen Yi

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Chen Yi (陈逸)
Alias(es)	Chen Qingzhou; Chen Yu; Liu Wu / “Dragon Tiger”; Chen Wudi / “Little White Dragon of the Waves” 122 175 221 400
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Xiao Family; Hundred Herbs Hall; White Tiger Guard (Golden Banner Officer) 175 404
Occupation/Role	Live-in son-in-law of the Xiao Family; scholar and calligraphy instructor; founder of Hundred Herbs Hall 122 154 175
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 3

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Mortal Body; Martial Dao Body not initiated	6	Began training in the Great Spear Stance Cultivation and invested Karma into Martial Dao Body.
Ninth Rank · Lower	10	Reached after the Great Spear Stance Cultivation advanced to Proficient; possessed roughly One Ox Strength.
Ninth Rank · Middle	17	Began opening his Dantian Qi Sea and cultivating Qi toward the upper stage.
Eighth Rank · Lower	83	Gained True Essence; Great Spear Stance Cultivation and Mysterious Turtle Breath Concealment Art had reached Mastery.
Eighth Rank · Upper	107	Advanced through the Four Symbols Technique; expelled bodily impurities and more than doubled his True Essence.
Seventh Rank	121	Successfully broke through on the Martial Path.
Fifth Rank	226	The Four Symbols Spiritual Essence increased the enhancement of his techniques by fifty percent.
Mid-Fourth Rank	353	Reached this stage within twelve days of cultivation.
Upper Third Rank (anticipated)	386	Estimated to be within ten days to half a month of a breakthrough; not yet confirmed.
Martial Dao Body · Minor Accomplishment	10	Achieved alongside the Ninth Rank breakthrough.
Martial Dao Body · Great Accomplishment	53	Used 123 Fortune to comprehend the body’s meridians, organs, bones, and flesh.
Fist Dao · Great Accomplishment	133	Raised Martial Dao Fist using Fortune.
Spear Dao · Great Accomplishment	221	Revealed during his battle with Yan Fusha.
Spear Dao · Perfection	222	Perfected Spear Dao and killed Yan Fusha with the Falling Dragon technique.
Calligraphy Dao · Perfection	205	Reached the Perfection Realm, allowing intent expressed through calligraphy to harm through emotion and thought.
Chess Dao · Great Accomplishment	177	Upgraded with accumulated Opportunity.
Painting Dao · Minor Accomplishment	233	Achieved through ink-wash painting, completing his foundational mastery of the Four Arts.
Sword Dao · Great Accomplishment	333	Advanced while cultivating the Flying Flower Sword Art from Beyond the Heavens.

Background / History

Chen Yi was confined to his quarters for one hundred days after marrying into the Xiao Family, spending the period copying the Family Rules and writing poetry. His calligraphy improved rapidly during this confinement, and Xiao Wan'er eventually allowed him limited freedom within Chunhe Garden after he completed the required copying. 3 4

Although initially presenting himself as an idle, frail scholar, Chen Yi began secretly cultivating after learning the Great Spear Stance Cultivation. He deliberately appeared incompetent to avoid military conscription while training privately in the bamboo grove. 4 10

His position in the Xiao Family gradually changed through his poems, calligraphy, practical advice, and repeated protection of its members. By the time he learned of threats from the Hidden Guard, Phantom Sound Sect, Liu Family, and other factions, he had chosen to involve himself in defending the family rather than remaining detached. 53 106 144

Chen Yi established Hundred Herbs Hall under the identity of Chen Yu, using the business both to support the Xiao Family’s pharmacy and to build an independent network across Shu Prefecture. His expansion charter proposed an equal profit-sharing arrangement with the Xiao Family in exchange for its local influence and protection. 175 177 187

Personality

Chen Yi is outwardly relaxed, polite, and seemingly uninterested in fame, official rank, or scholarly competition. He declines opportunities that would bring public attention, including poetry gatherings and the annual Xiucai examination. 77 192 225

Behind this persona, he is analytical and calculating. He studies intelligence, overheard conversations, factional movements, and commercial conditions before acting, often choosing to obscure his own role and let opponents misjudge him. 106 144 247 255

Despite his caution, Chen Yi is not indifferent to those close to him. His attachment to the Xiao Family steadily grows, motivating him to cultivate stronger martial skills and intervene against threats to Xiao Jinghong, Xiao Wan'er, Xiao Wuge, Xiao Die, and the family’s businesses. 106 300 301

Abilities & Skills

Martial Dao

Chen Yi is a multi-disciplinary martial artist whose techniques are reinforced by True Essence and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

• Began cultivation at age twenty despite being judged unlikely to surpass the Eighth Rank through ordinary effort. 6
• Reached Fifth Rank and gained the ability to significantly enhance all of his techniques through the Four Symbols Spiritual Essence. 226
• Could defeat opponents of a higher cultivation through superior Dao attainments, techniques, and tactical use of medicine. 221 222
• Later suppressed numerous jianghu experts and sparred successfully against Shui Hetong. 366 414

Spear Dao

Chen Yi’s foremost combat specialty is the spear.

• Uses the Great Spear Stance Cultivation as his foundational body-tempering method. 6 10
• Perfected Spear Dao during his fight against Yan Fusha of the Five Poisons Sect. 222
• His spear intent can tear through True Essence and protective energy. 221
• Employs the Dragon Falling Spear Art, including the decisive Falling Dragon technique. 67 222
• Uses a Five-Fold Spear during his spar with Shui Hetong. 366

Fist Dao

Chen Yi possesses Great Accomplishment in Fist Dao and employs powerful fist intent.

• Uses Collapsing Mountain Fist, whose intent can stir heaven-and-earth spiritual energy. 137
• Techniques include Collapsing Mountain: Earth Split and Collapsing Mountain: Mountain Tremor. 137 221
• His perfected fist technique can suppress an opponent with mountain-like force. 221
• Also practices Hundred Flower Palm. 33 226

Movement and Footwork

Chen Yi’s evasive ability allows him to fight opponents while protecting others or maneuvering through groups.

• Practices Playful Dragon Teases Phoenix, Meteor Butterfly Steps, and Dragon Playing Phoenix Footwork. 33 137 300
• Reached Perfection in Martial Dao Movement by the battle against Du Cang. 300
• Meteor Butterfly Steps was raised to Heaven Tier after disrupting the Jizhou Trading Company’s ambush. 400

Sword and Saber Arts

Chen Yi practices both sword and saber techniques in addition to his spear arts.

• Cultivated the Spring Embroidered Saber Art and later demonstrated fully realized Saber Dao intent. 177 234
• Reached Great Accomplishment in Sword Dao through the Flying Flower Sword Art from Beyond the Heavens. 333
• Learned swordsmanship from Ye Guxian, the “Snow Sword Lord,” who tested him with the Shadowless technique. 404
• Used the Flying Flower technique and Nameless Sword to contend with Xiao Jinghong. 416

Four Symbols Technique

A cultivation method that refines Chen Yi’s body and True Essence through heaven-and-earth spiritual energy.

• Purges impurities from his body and improves his senses. 107
• Produces Four Symbols Spiritual Essence, substantially amplifying his other techniques. 226
• Its cultivation continued after his other foundational methods reached perfection. 333

Mysterious Turtle Breath Concealment Art

A concealment and cultivation method obtained after witnessing Chen Yunfan’s arrival in Shuzhou.

• Allows Chen Yi’s cultivation to advance steadily while concealing his actual strength. 50 57
• Reached Mastery by the time he entered the Eighth Rank. 83
• Helps him maintain the appearance of a weak scholar even when observed by martial artists. 353

Calligraphy Dao

Chen Yi is an exceptional calligrapher whose work earned acclaim from scholars, academies, and nobles.

• His early writing was praised for its “lively spirit” and masterly composure. 3
• Created New Style Characters that caused a sensation at Old Marquis Xiao’s birthday banquet. 65
• Reached the Perfection Realm, allowing calligraphy to express intent capable of harming others through emotional and mental influence. 205
• His Perfection Realm New Style Characters drew widespread attention at Guiyun Academy. 208
• Teaches the Way of Calligraphy at Guiyun Academy and imposed conditions on student enrollment and public benefit. 154 192

Medical Dao

Chen Yi possesses medical skills sufficient for combat treatment, poison use, and manipulation of an opponent’s condition.

• Reached Minor Accomplishment in Medical Dao within months of arriving in Shu Prefecture. 222 224
• Can use Qi to control needles. 222
• Used unorthodox medical techniques and medicinal herbs to stimulate potential during his battle with Yan Fusha. 222 224
• Treated Pei Yonglin with silver needles after his clash with Song Jinjian. 400
• Used a potent knockout drug to incapacitate Chen Yunfan and evade pursuit. 113

Four Arts

Chen Yi has cultivated qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

• Chess Dao reached Great Accomplishment. 177
• Painting Dao reached Minor Accomplishment through ink-wash painting. 233
• His advancement in painting completed his foundational mastery of qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. 233
• Struggled to cultivate the Carefree Journey zither score. 177

Disguise and Identity Management

Chen Yi is highly skilled at altering his demeanor, appearance, aura, and social bearing.

• Maintains the identity of Chen Yu, the owner of Hundred Herbs Hall. 175
• Has also impersonated Liu Wu, Black Tooth, and other figures without obvious flaws. 197
• Uses clothing, scent-masking sachets, altered posture, speech, and controlled True Essence to separate Chen Yu from his usual scholarly identity. 175
• His aliases are both an asset and a vulnerability, especially when associates reveal them carelessly. 271

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Wolf-hair Brush — used for calligraphy. 8
• Yunsong Paper — frequently used for writing, planning, and destroying sensitive notes. 8 77
• Long spear / Five-Fold Spear — Chen Yi’s principal weapon. 300 366
• Spring Embroidered Saber — used with the Spring Embroidered Saber Art. 177
• Silver needles — used for medical treatment through True Essence. 400
• Scent-masking sachet — part of his Chen Yu disguise. 175

Relationships

• Xiao Jinghong — Chen Yi’s wife and a Fourth Rank martial arts prodigy. They eventually agree to present a united front as husband and wife; Chen Yi later seeks greater interaction with her despite their respective responsibilities. 4 59 414
• Xiao Wan'er — Xiao Jinghong’s elder sister and manager of the Xiao Family’s businesses. Her initial distrust softens into respect and trust; she learns Chen Yi’s true identity after he rescues her. 53 175 301
• Xiao Wuge — young heir of the Xiao Family. Chen Yi guides and protects him, and the boy is eager to learn from him. 48 133
• Xiao Die — Chen Yi’s personal maidservant and trusted companion. Their relationship develops from mutual friendliness into a familial bond. 4 95 404
• Pei Guanli — close companion who repeatedly aids Chen Yi, including rescuing and caring for him after his battle with Yan Fusha. 222 224
• Chen Yunfan — Chen Yi’s elder brother and the Zhuangyuan. Their relationship is strained by rivalry, concealed cultivation, and Chen Yunfan’s resentment of Chen Yi’s growing accomplishments. 50 222 258
• Liu Lang — the “Blade Maniac,” later Chen Yi’s subordinate and frequent partner. He calls Chen Yi “Boss,” follows his orders, and seeks his guidance in martial arts. 165 177 255
• Wang Ji — Hundred Herbs Hall subordinate entrusted with business expansion, hiring martial artists, and maintaining Chen Yi’s cover. 121 187
• Mr. Yue Ming — headmaster of Guiyun Academy. He recognizes Chen Yi’s calligraphic ability and relies on him to help manage the academy’s growing calligraphy study hall. 154 192
• Ye Guxian — the “Snow Sword Lord,” who recognizes Chen Yi’s Sword Dao progress and agrees to teach him swordsmanship. 348 404
• Shui Hetong — White Immortal’s disciple and Chen Yi’s sparring partner and ally. He later assists in maintaining the Chen Yu disguise. 364 386
• Yuan Liu'er — a medically gifted girl whose martial cultivation path Chen Yi personally plans and guides. 348 386

Story Role / Major Arcs

Confinement and Early Cultivation

Chen Yi begins as a confined live-in son-in-law, earning limited freedom through copying the Xiao Family Rules. He secretly starts martial cultivation while maintaining the image of an unwilling and talentless trainee. 3 4 10

Recognition as Chen Qingzhou

His poetry and calligraphy attract attention across Shuzhou. Though scholars criticize his status and character, they acknowledge his literary talent; the New Style Characters copybook later establishes his reputation among Guiyun Academy scholars and noble guests. 39 65

Protector of the Xiao Family

Chen Yi becomes involved in the Xiao Family’s conflicts with the Hidden Guard, Phantom Sound Sect, Liu Family, and other factions. His growing emotional investment in the family leads him to improve his martial strength and quietly disrupt threats. 106 137 144

Hundred Herbs Hall and Chen Yu

Under the Chen Yu identity, Chen Yi builds Hundred Herbs Hall into a business partner of the Xiao Family. He develops its expansion charter, manages personnel, and uses the enterprise to establish influence across Shu Prefecture. 175 177 187

Mid-Autumn Battle with Yan Fusha

Chen Yi is drawn into Yan Fusha’s plot involving Pei Guanli. He reveals the identity Chen Wudi, displays Great Accomplishment Spear Dao, then perfects Spear Dao and kills Yan Fusha with Falling Dragon despite severe poisoning. 221 222

Dragon Tiger of Shu Prefecture

Operating as Liu Wu / Dragon Tiger, Chen Yi investigates the grain crisis, Barbarian slave affair, Bright Moon Tower, Jizhou Trading Company, and associated conspiracies. He repeatedly uses aliases, intelligence, and force to turn factional conflicts to his advantage. 233 247 300 400

Open Martial Recognition

Chen Yi’s strength becomes increasingly difficult to conceal. He spars with Shui Hetong, gains Ye Guxian’s instruction, suppresses jianghu challengers, and ultimately displays swordsmanship capable of repelling Xiao Jinghong. 366 404 414 416

Trivia

• Chen Yi originally intended to remain an inconspicuous, reclusive martial arts master rather than pursue military service or officialdom. 4
• He uses writing and calligraphy to calm himself when troubled. 8
• He considers himself a “hands-off manager,” a trait Xiao Wan'er shares in managing their respective affairs. 187
• His many identities have caused repeated confusion, including Xiao Wan'er sensing that Chen Yu seemed strangely familiar. 175
• He refuses to participate in the annual Xiucai examination despite his scholarly ability. 225