Li Yan

Biodata

Name	Li Yan (李炎)
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Spirit Hall
Occupation/Role	Red-robed Bishop; Soul Saint; Ban Shu's assigned protector and spear instructor
First Appearance	4

Background / History

Li Yan serves as a red-robed bishop of Spirit Hall and is a trusted subordinate of Pope Qian Xunji. He personally escorts Ban Shu from the orphanage to Spirit Hall, also collecting Bibi Dong from Spirit Academy at Ban Shu's request. He encourages Ban Shu to address him as “Uncle Li.” 4

After Ban Shu and Bibi Dong settle into Spirit Hall, Qian Xunji orders Li Yan to protect Ban Shu without error. Li Yan accepts immediately and subsequently accompanies the group on Ban Shu's first spirit-ring expedition to the Star Dou Great Forest. 6 8

Li Yan becomes Ban Shu's combat instructor because his fire-attribute spear martial soul, Yan Qiang, shares the long-handled weapon style of Ban Shu's Painted Halberd. He begins with fundamental thrusts, sweeps, and chops, then recognizes Ban Shu's rapid mastery of the techniques after six months of training. 12 13

Following Ban Shu's second spirit ring, Li Yan introduces his son, Li Ling, as Ban Shu's sparring partner. He asks Ban Shu to look after the shy young man, and later sees Li Ling become more outgoing through his friendship with Ban Shu and Bibi Dong. 18 19 20

During the Wolf Bandit Hunt, Li Yan protects Ban Shu and Bibi Dong alongside Yue Guan, leads the frontal assault against the Wolf Bandits, and coordinates the encirclement of the Fallen Ones' cave. He worries that Ban Shu's bloodlust in battle could harm his cultivation, but later declares Ban Shu's training complete after witnessing his performance against the Fallen Ones. 21 23 25 28

Personality

Li Yan is warm and approachable toward Ban Shu and Bibi Dong, treating them with patience despite their teasing and antics. He values Ban Shu's courtesy, diligence, and exceptional potential. 4 12 13

He is fiercely opposed to cruelty and acts decisively when civilians are endangered. Learning that Wolf Bandits had captured villagers, he immediately orders an assault and vows to slaughter the attackers. 22

As an instructor, Li Yan is both proud and protective. He praises Ban Shu's progress, worries about the child's battle-crazed state, and measures Ban Shu's growth by whether he can fight responsibly rather than by strength alone. 13 23 28

Abilities & Skills

Yan Qiang

Li Yan's martial soul is a crimson, two-meter-long spear with a fire attribute. Its seven-ring configuration is two yellow, two purple, and three black rings. 12

• Uses spear techniques coordinated with disciplined footwork.
• Can engulf the spear in flames, forming attacks compared to a fire dragon. 12
• His proficiency with a long-handled weapon makes him suited to teach Ban Shu's Painted Halberd style. 12

Soul Saint-Level Combat Ability

Li Yan is identified as a Soul Saint and is trusted to protect Ban Shu during dangerous expeditions. 8 21

• Captures a seven-hundred-year Sharp-Feathered Thunder Eagle for Ban Shu's first soul ring. 8
• Guards the hunting party during the Wolf Bandit Hunt alongside Yue Guan. 21
• Leads a frontal suppression force against the Wolf Bandits. 22
• Fights the Spirit Emperor-level Fallen One outside the cave until Yue Guan joins him. 25 26

Instruction and Field Command

Li Yan teaches Ban Shu basic weapon foundations and evaluates his progress over extended training. 12 13

• Drills Ban Shu in straight thrusts, horizontal sweeps, and downward chops. 12
• Recognizes when Ban Shu has fully mastered the spear fundamentals. 13
• Arranges Li Ling as Ban Shu's practical sparring partner. 18
• Commands Spirit Hall knights during the Wolf Bandit operation. 22

Relationships

• Qian Xunji — Trusted subordinate of the Pope; receives direct orders to protect Ban Shu and carries them out without hesitation. 6
• Ban Shu — Protector, spear instructor, and paternal mentor. He calls Ban Shu “Xiao Ban,” worries over his mental state in battle, and eventually declares his training finished. 4 12 23 28
• Bibi Dong — Protects and travels with her as part of Qian Xunji's disciples; tolerates her lively dynamic with Ban Shu. 4 8 21
• Li Ling — His son. Li Yan entrusts Li Ling to Ban Shu in hopes that his shy personality will improve. 18 19
• Yue Guan — Fellow Spirit Hall Soul Saint and partner during the Wolf Bandit Hunt and the assault on the Fallen Ones' cave. 21 22 25

Story Role / Major Arcs

Entry into Spirit Hall

Li Yan escorts Ban Shu to Spirit Hall, brings Bibi Dong from Spirit Academy, and helps them begin their lives under Qian Xunji. 4

First Spirit-Ring Expedition

He accompanies Ban Shu, Bibi Dong, and Qian Xunji to the Star Dou Great Forest, handles camp duties, and captures the Sharp-Feathered Thunder Eagle that becomes Ban Shu's first soul ring. 8 9

Combat Training

As Ban Shu's weapons instructor, Li Yan establishes his basic long-handled weapon training and later provides Li Ling as a high-level sparring partner. 12 18

Wolf Bandit Hunt

Li Yan leads Spirit Hall forces in the rescue of captured villagers, worries over Ban Shu's combat mentality, and helps contain the Fallen Ones behind the Wolf Bandits. 22 25

Aftermath

After the hunt, Li Yan confirms that no Fallen Ones escaped, praises Ban Shu's performance, and ends his formal training. 28

Notable Quotes

“Follow me, let's go slaughter these beasts!” 22

“I've seen your heroic performance today, and I am truly satisfied. There is nothing left for me to teach you.” 28