Hong Yi

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Hong Yi (洪易)
Alias(es)	Yi Zi; Lesser Sage; True Person Yi; War God 273 304 687
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Prince Yu's faction; founder and head of Zhouyi Academy; leader of the righteous path 82 588 706
Occupation/Role	Scholar, Top Scholar, military commander, cultivator, and author of the Book of Changes 332 519 588
Status	Alive 784
First Appearance	Chapter 1: “Heaven's Will, the People's Will” 1

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Wandering Soul	72	Learns to send his soul from his body while cultivating the Past Amitabha Sutra. 72
Yin Spirit / Object Manipulation	77	Refines his wandering soul into a Yin Spirit; moves branches and stones and manipulates the Explosive Flame Talisman Sword. 77
Martial Warrior	80	Harmonizes the Ox Demon Great Strength Fist and Heaven-Entwining Hands through the Past Amitabha Sutra. 80
Martial Master	117	His physical body and Precious Moonlight King Body both reach Martial Master-level strength. 117
Manifestation	117	Achieves Manifestation, allowing the Precious Moonlight King Body to match his physical strength. 117
Possession	156	Reaches the Possession realm and demonstrates spiritual perception. 156
Xiantian	166	Enters the Xiantian realm solidly; later displays the ability to suppress opponents with condensed thoughts. 166
Peak Xiantian	197	Revealed as a Xiantian peak expert while defeating Luo Feng. 197
Ghost Immortal	200	Attains Ghost Immortalhood through insight gained while cultivating at sea. 200
Half-Tribulation Ghost Immortal	235	Absorbs part of Sage Tu Yuan's soul alongside Chan Yinshe, greatly strengthening his divine soul. 235
Martial Saint	295	Reveals to Monk Jingren that he has become a Martial Saint. 295
First Lightning Tribulation	297	Crosses his first lightning tribulation, greatly increasing his Daoist power. 297
Peak Martial Saint	304	Displays peak Martial Saint fist intent during the military jinshi examination. 304
Half-step Human Immortal	432	Condenses his fist intent and Bridge to the Other Shore, standing at the threshold of Human Immortalhood. 432
Sixth Lightning Tribulation	451	Defeats the tribulation's duplicate self and passes the sixth tribulation. 451
Complete Human Immortal	470	Fully cultivates into a Human Immortal, further empowering his Human Immortal incarnation. 470
Creator	583	Passes the seventh lightning tribulation and becomes a Creator. 583
Gate of Life and Death	609	Opens the Gate of Life and Death acupoint, extending his lifespan and advancing his bodily cultivation. 609
Eighth Lightning Tribulation / Taiji Primordial Spirit	642	Passes the eighth tribulation without weakness and refines his soul into a god-like Taiji Primordial Spirit. 642
Myriad Transformations	656	Condenses more than a thousand acupoints and transforms his body into forms such as a dragon, Qilin, stone, and other people. 656
Shattering Vacuum	748	Shatters the vacuum during the battle to stop the Central World's migration. 748
Blood Rebirth / Nine Tribulations	780	Reaches Blood Rebirth in the flesh while his soul has survived nine lightning tribulations. 780

Background

Hong Yi was born as the son of Hong Xuanji, Marquis Wuwen, and Meng Bingyun, a former celebrated Yujing artist and poet who became a concubine in the Hong household. As a child, he witnessed Lady Zhao publicly humiliate his mother at a Mid-Autumn banquet; Meng Bingyun fell ill after the incident and died two months later at twenty-five. Her death, and his own low status as a concubine-born son with no inheritance rights, drove him toward the imperial examinations as the only means to secure recognition for her. 1

Although he was nominally a young master, Hong Yi lacked attendants and lived with limited funds in Marquis Wuwen’s Mansion. He devoted himself to classics, policy essays, and texts on spirits and gods, including Caotang Notes. 1 22

He later accepted work as a tutor in a West Mountain valley inhabited by scholarly foxes. There, he gained access to a vast library and the opportunity to study martial arts, beginning his shift from a physically frail scholar into a dual cultivator of literature, martial arts, and Daoist methods. 5 10

Personality

Hong Yi is defined by long memory and deliberate resolve. His mother’s humiliation and death shape his hostility toward Lady Zhao, Hong Xuanji, and the power structure of the Hong household, but he repeatedly treats revenge as a matter to be pursued through status, evidence, and political leverage rather than impulsive violence. 1 82 619

He is observant and strategically minded. He studies the motives behind examinations, court factions, military appointments, cultivation methods, and the backgrounds of potential allies before committing himself. His decision to accept Prince Yu’s patronage is made after learning that Hong Xuanji attempted to obstruct his examination success. 1 82 94

His conduct combines generosity with pragmatism. He aids Shen Tianyang, Shen Tiezhu, and Xiao Mu after recognizing both their hardship and their martial value; he later spares defeated enemies when their information, service, or political usefulness outweighs immediate execution. 61 101 191

Hong Yi’s ideals become increasingly explicit as his influence grows. He rejects rule based solely on suppression, argues that people should be able to choose their own paths, and seeks a world in which “all people could become like dragons.” 432 530

Abilities & Skills

Soul and Daoist Cultivation

Hong Yi’s primary Daoist foundation is the Past Amitabha Sutra, which protects and restores his soul while supporting rapid advancement through multiple soul realms. 72 77

• Leaves his body as a soul and passes through physical obstructions. 18 72
• Refines a Yin Spirit capable of Object Manipulation. 77
• Forms manifestations including the Precious Moonlight King Body, Great Mighty Heavenly Dragon Bodhisattva, and True Martial Dharma Body. 103 117 220
• Uses the Soul Vortex to trap, grind down, and absorb hostile souls and divine manifestations. 220 235
• Survives soul-shattering attacks through the Past Amitabha Sutra’s resilience. 220

Present Tathagata Sutra

Hong Yi obtains and progressively comprehends the Present Tathagata Sutra, using it to advance his martial body and develop overwhelmingly destructive Dharma manifestations. 273 417

• Cultivates acupoints, including the Earth Extreme acupoints in his feet. 273
• Condenses the Tathagata Dharma Body after comprehending the scripture’s General Outline. 417
• Practices the Ten Great Dharma Seals. 420
• Uses the Tathagata Divine Palm, Great Thousand Seal, and Other Shore Seal in high-level combat. 458 662
• Reaches great completion of the Tathagata Dharma Body after the sixth lightning tribulation. 452

Martial Arts and Fist Intent

Hong Yi develops from basic physical conditioning into one of the world’s foremost martial artists.

• Ox Demon Great Strength Fist — His foundational body-strengthening art; includes Ox Demon Skin Conditioning and Ox Demon Horn Thrust. 54 55
• Heaven-Entwining Hands — Cultivated alongside the Ox Demon art through the yin-yang balance enabled by the Past Amitabha Sutra. 72 83
• Tiger Demon Bone Refining Fist — Studied through Hong Xuejiao’s practice and later integrated into his own martial development. 55
• Fish-Dragon Nine Transformations — Learned through sparring with Chi Zhuiyang and incorporated into his movement techniques. 103
• Four Swords of the Way of Changes — His sword art of Heaven, Earth, Wind, and Thunder, tied to the principle of Heaven’s unceasing self-strengthening. 432
• Myriad Transformations — Allows physical transformation and the creation of innumerable bodily forms. 656

Yi Studies and Divination

Hong Yi’s scholarship evolves into a supernatural system of calculation and governance centered on the Book of Changes. 588

• Uses Yi numerology and hexagrams to identify hidden threats, locations, and future developments. 594 610
• Employs hexagram-based techniques such as Retreat, Obstruction, Peace, and Turning Back the Raging Tide. 605
• Uses Future Lord Xi to deduce potential wars, betrayals, and the fates of his allies. 733
• Composes the Book of Changes, gaining recognition as a Creator and an ancient-sage-level scholar. 588

Artifact and Formation Mastery

Hong Yi is an accomplished user, refiner, and creator of divine artifacts.

• Refines the Hall of All Saints from the Universe Bag’s minor world and turns it into his central stronghold and supreme artifact. 462
• Creates and maintains the Taiji Thunder Pool, which protects the Hall of All Saints from the Dagan imperial family. 540
• Refines battle armor through the Four-Phase Magnetism Array. 595
• Replicates the Main Monument through his own body and combines it with the five Immortal Monuments. 770
• Uses the Sun-Moon Cosmos Furnace to refine divine pills and alter materials. 519

Equipment and Artifacts

• Past Amitabha Sutra — His foundational soul-cultivation scripture. 72 77
• Present Tathagata Sutra — Martial scripture used to cultivate acupoints, Dharma seals, and the Tathagata Dharma Body. 273 417
• Yin-Yang Peach God Sword — One of Peach God Dao’s Heaven-Shaking Seven Treasures; Hong Yi borrows and later wields its immense divine thought. 105 136
• Blood Patterned Steel Needles — Soul-driven assassination needles acquired early in his cultivation. 77 166
• Explosive Flame Talisman Sword — Purple Thunder Gunpowder weapon used against Daoist souls. 77 110
• Heaven-Shaking Bow and Limitless Arrows — Divine bow and arrows used in long-range engagements. 180 310
• Heavenly Radiance Horn God Armor — Divine armor that fuses with his martial body and grants War God-like protection. 417 437
• Tathagata Kasaya — One of the few artifacts capable of withstanding the Pan Emperor’s Life Sword. 459 473
• Ancient Rashomon Gate — Divine artifact seized from the Essence Spirit Temple and Huoluo Kingdom. 435 436
• Hall of All Saints — Minor-world artifact, treasury, fortress, and principal weapon. 462 547
• Taiji Thunder Pool — Defensive and refining formation within the Hall of All Saints. 540 547
• Immortal Monuments — Ancient artifacts Hong Yi studies, suppresses, and eventually combines with the Hall of All Saints. 608 770

Relationships

• Meng Bingyun — His deceased mother; her public humiliation and death are the central cause of his ambition and hatred toward the Hong household. 1 77
• Hong Xuanji — His father, Marquis Wuwen and Grand Tutor; their relationship develops into an open political, moral, and martial conflict. 267 417 692
• Lady Zhao — Hong Xuanji’s primary wife; she humiliated Meng Bingyun and repeatedly seeks to suppress Hong Yi. 1 27
• Prince Yu (Yang Gan) — Patron and political ally who gives Hong Yi protection, Green Willow Manor, and opportunities to gain military merit. 82 84 95
• Chan Yinshe — Dao companion, cultivation partner, and trusted ally; they cultivate together, share techniques, and fight major enemies side by side. 191 210 235
• Xiao Mu — Adopted companion and trusted martial subordinate; she trains with Hong Yi from his early cultivation and later becomes an accomplished swordmaster. 72 391
• Shen Tianyang and Shen Tiezhu — Martial family Hong Yi rescues from poverty and brings into his household; they become loyal retainers. 61 63
• Chi Zhuiyang — Xiantian martial artist, sparring partner, and loyal subordinate; Hong Yi rewards him with the Rainbow Piercer Bow. 101 103
• Murong Yan — Yunmeng noblewoman and later an important manager of Hong Yi’s finances and intelligence network. 80 265
• Luo Yun — Princess Zhennan of the Divine Wind Kingdom; an early ally who helps Hong Yi navigate Yujing society and later receives his aid in cultivation. 27 590
• Consort Yuan — Demon Immortal and Hong Yi’s acknowledged kin through the Marquis household; he consistently protects her from political danger. 52 530
• Xie Wenyuan — Literary grandmaster who recognizes Hong Yi’s scholarly stature and supports his leadership of the righteous path. 303 436
• Champion Marquis — Longstanding rival whose body Hong Yi later possesses to control the Marquis’s forces and stabilize the realm. 300 485 502

Story Role and Major Arcs

Imperial Examinations and Departure from the Hong Household

Hong Yi studies to secure posthumous recognition for Meng Bingyun, passes the provincial examination despite Hong Xuanji’s attempt to rank him last, and becomes the top-ranked Provincial Graduate. 60 62

After learning that Hong Xuanji tried to sabotage his advancement, he breaks from the Hong family and becomes Prince Yu’s retainer. Prince Yu grants him Green Willow Manor, where Hong Yi begins building an independent household and power base. 82 84

Sea-Pacifying Army and Military Rise

Hong Yi enters the Sea-Pacifying Navy to earn military merit, investigate the Zhao Family’s southern influence, and establish himself beyond the protection of his birth family. 94 95

He gathers retainers, defeats pirates and hostile cultivators, seizes the Yin-Yang Peach God Sword, and develops into both a military commander and a major Daoist practitioner. 136 174 191

Scholar-General and Top Scholar

Hong Yi returns to compete in the civil and military examinations. His writing causes the Hundred Sages to resonate, earning him the title of top Metropolitan Graduate and then Top Scholar. 331 332

He is appointed Grand Commander under Prince Shenwei and uses military campaigns in the Western Regions to expand his reputation, authority, and public support. 332 519

Book of Changes and the Righteous Path

Hong Yi establishes Zhouyi Academy and compiles the Book of Changes with great scholars and clan heads. The completed work elevates him to Creator status and makes him the recognized leader of the righteous path. 588

Through the academy, Yi studies, and the spread of Jade Emperor Rice, he seeks to reshape the realm through education, abundance, and a political ideal in which ordinary people can advance. 514 733

Conflict with the Dagan Court

Hong Yi’s conflict with Hong Xuanji and Emperor Yang Pan escalates from personal grievance into a struggle over the future of the realm. He opposes Yang Pan’s vision of peace through the elimination of ambition and rejects Hong Xuanji’s authority over the Hong family. 530 630

Leading an army of six hundred thousand and supported by overseas rulers, he besieges Yujing, demands Hong Xuanji’s execution, and forces a decisive shift in the balance of power. 691 692

Heaven Beyond Heaven and the Final Conflicts

Hong Yi learns of Pan Star and Heaven Beyond Heaven, then prepares for their invasion by studying their martial arts, recruiting powerful allies, and strengthening the Hall of All Saints. 594 668 686

He ultimately reaches Shattering Vacuum, battles Central World leaders and ancient powers, and confronts Daoist Creation in the struggle over the future of the Great Thousand World. 748 770 784

Notable Quotes

“My Way of Heaven is unceasing self-strengthening.” 432

“What Your Majesty seeks is the balance of pigs and dogs, while what I seek is the balance of immortals.” 530

Trivia

• Hong Yi begins as a scholar described as too weak to “truss a chicken,” but later becomes a cultivator capable of challenging Yang God-level powers. 2 784
• He first uses the Amitabha Sutra’s “beautiful skeleton” contemplation to resist Su Mu’s beauty and regain focus. 42
• His first independent estate, Green Willow Manor, remains emotionally significant even after he gains wealth sufficient to rival nations. 84 263
• Hong Yi can simultaneously act within the Universe Bag and speak through a thought-projection outside it. 266