Chang Yi

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Chang Yi (常弈)
Alias(es)	Black Charcoal; Brother Precious Blade
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Blackwater City Yamen; Purple Flood Dragon Constables; later the Demon-Slaying Division
Occupation/Role	Constable; later Head Constable of Four Directions Street; Demon-Slaying Division Captain
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 11

Power Progression

Chapter	Advancement	Details
13	Purple Flood Dragon Constable	Established as a cultivator and higher-ranking yamen constable through his Purple Flood Dragon insignia. 13
58	Mid Qi Condensation	Confirmed to share the Mid Qi Condensation realm with Lin Shu, though his combat strength is far inferior. 58
105	Foundation Establishment threshold	After receiving Demon-Slaying Division resources and pills, reaches the threshold of the Foundation Establishment Realm. 105
109	Demon-Slaying Division Captain	Receives a captain's black robe, standard-issue Dharma Artifacts, and a qi-tracing bronze disk after demonstrating merit and promise within the Division. 109

Background / History

Chang Yi was a newly appointed Purple Flood Dragon Constable when he first encountered Lin Shu in Green Willow Alley. He attempted to arrest Lin Shu for Zhang Ci's death, but Lin Shu confronted him with the yamen's failure to protect the women Zhang Ci had abused. Unable to answer, Chang Yi let Lin Shu leave, frustrated by both the encounter and his own powerlessness. 11

Though he claimed not to be protecting Lin Shu, Chang Yi remained in Green Willow Alley to prevent the Good Fortune Martial Hall from escalating their retaliation. He considered Lin Shu a criminal by association with the Cunning Fox Hall, yet believed that Zhang Ci's death did not justify handing him over to torture or execution. 14

After witnessing Lin Shu defeat Qin Yunhai's group with an immortal art, Chang Yi recognized that Lin Shu was far more dangerous than the ordinary “fox” he had assumed him to be. 17 Nevertheless, he later sought Lin Shu out to ask how to become a good constable, beginning a mentor-like relationship built around Chang Yi's desire to act justly in a corrupt city. 20

Chang Yi was later assigned to Four Directions Street and promoted to Head Constable, where he continued to pursue cases connected to the Blackwater Gang despite his family's efforts to shelter him from danger. 55 60 After the events in Blackwater City, he joined the Demon-Slaying Division and traveled to Demon Mountain, initially presenting himself as an ordinary recruit while seeking a means to locate his missing aunt, Gu Nanzhi. 105 107

His experiences in Demon Mountain rapidly mature him. After surviving the Division's attempt to use him as demon bait, Chang Yi recognizes signs of Lin Shu's covert protection and uses the Qi-Guiding Gourd left on him to earn advancement within the Division. 107 109 He subsequently becomes a captain, leads inexperienced recruits through dangerous terrain, and covertly gathers information concerning planned attacks on Demon Mountain. 109 110 115

Appearance

Chang Yi is a dark-skinned youth, described as charcoal-faced or “Black Charcoal,” who appears to be around fifteen or sixteen when he first becomes involved in Green Willow Alley's affairs. 14

• Wears the black uniform of a yamen constable. 14
• Bears a Purple Flood Dragon insignia on his lapel, marking his higher constable status. 11
• Carries a long saber and scabbard, later handling the weapon with practiced ease. 11 78
• Receives an iron badge after becoming the constable assigned to Four Directions Street. 55
• Later wears the black robe of a Demon-Slaying Division captain, with a precious saber at his waist. 109 130

Personality

Chang Yi is upright, stubborn, and intensely troubled by injustice. He knows that the yamen often cannot—or will not—act against powerful groups such as the Blackwater Gang and Good Fortune Martial Hall, and this inability to protect victims leaves him guilty and angry. 11

Early on, his inexperience makes him hesitant and overly concerned with procedure, appearances, and whether others will see him as abusing his family connections. 17 42 He gradually learns to prioritize endangered lives over his own reputation, demanding the immediate release of Zhao's sister-in-law despite lacking conclusive evidence. 42

Chang Yi is earnest to the point of naivety, interpreting Lin Shu's actions as those of a righteous undercover hero even when Lin Shu repeatedly denies having entrusted him with any mission. 55 His resolve is genuine: he believes that accepting a constable's salary obliges him to protect the people, even at great personal risk. 55

His time in the Demon-Slaying Division makes him more cautious and strategically minded without diminishing his idealism. He is able to conceal his suspicions, follow orders while assessing danger, and use the Division's internal rivalries and recruits' family backgrounds to argue for his group's survival. 105 110 113 He also develops into a dependable field leader, remaining composed enough that less experienced recruits follow his instructions in Demon Mountain. 110

Abilities & Skills

Qi Condensation Cultivation

Chang Yi is a cultivator serving as a Purple Flood Dragon Constable. By the Ancient Pine Ridge incident, he is at the Mid Qi Condensation stage. 13 58

• Can circulate a Cultivation Method to dramatically increase his movement speed, turning his legs into a blur. 55
• Can release gray mist to conceal captives' bodies and sounds during a rescue operation. 55
• Can break prisoners' iron chains with repeated palm strikes. 55
• His combat ability is considerably below Lin Shu's despite their shared Mid Qi Condensation realm. 58

Foundation Establishment Threshold

Through the Demon-Slaying Division's pills and its assistance in sorting the Qi Family's Immortal Power, Chang Yi reaches the threshold of the Foundation Establishment Realm. 105 109

• His cultivation remains insignificant before a Core Formation cultivator; Gong Yue defeats him with a single physical strike without using Spiritual Power. 105
• The Division's resources give him the potential to advance quickly if he can accumulate sufficient merit. 110
• His higher cultivation later allows him to sense the cessation of distant auras and react swiftly to changing battlefield conditions. 112

Sabersmanship

Chang Yi fights with a long saber and takes his role as a Purple Flood Dragon Constable seriously.

• Initially uses his drawn saber primarily to intimidate suspects and assert official authority. 11
• Learns from Lin Shu that once a blade is drawn, it should be used decisively rather than hesitantly. 58
• Draws his saber to oppose the Cheng Family's retainers at the Broken Firewood Courtyard and later supports Yun Niang's vengeance. 77
• Continues to carry a precious saber after entering the Demon-Slaying Division. 130

Bright Moon Claw Technique

Chang Yi can employ the Bright Moon Claw Technique, manifesting white streams of light from his fingers.

• Instinctively uses the technique in an attempt to strike Gong Yue's throat after realizing that the lieutenant intends to use him as bait. 105
• The technique is ineffective against Gong Yue's vastly superior Core Formation cultivation. 105

Rescue and Organization

Chang Yi shows practical skill in protecting and managing civilians despite his limited combat strength.

• Secretly infiltrates Ancient Pine Ridge, frees imprisoned captives, and leads them toward safety. 55
• Arranges shelter and food behind the yamen for the people rescued from Ancient Pine Ridge. 60
• Takes responsibility for transporting the bodies of the slain Fox Hall members and Fierce Wolves to the yamen. 60 61
• Leads more than a hundred inexperienced Demon-Slaying Division recruits through Demon Mountain, avoiding obvious routes and potential ambushes by carefully following meaningful traces. 110
• Fires a signal arrow toward Yong Province Pass and immediately orders Wang Hong to flee when he judges that danger has not truly passed. 112

Investigation and Intelligence Work

Chang Yi's determination to investigate wrongdoing develops into genuine investigative and intelligence-gathering ability.

• Memorizes portions of Liu Zhen's ledger after it is confiscated, then independently traces the cases recorded within it. 55
• Uses the Qi-Guiding Gourd together with a bronze qi-tracing disk, making the two items a useful combination for locating demon aura. 107 109
• Conceals his connection to Lin Shu when necessary and covertly relays information on the Demon-Slaying Division's planned attack on Demon Mountain. 113 115

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Long saber — Chang Yi's primary weapon and symbol of his constable authority. 11
• Purple Flood Dragon uniform — Identifies him as a higher-ranking yamen constable. 11
• Iron badge — Worn after his assignment to Four Directions Street. 55
• Ledger of Liu Zhen's crimes — Retrieved from Liu Zhen's corpse and intended as evidence to clear the Zhao family's name. 47
• Qi-Guiding Gourd — A gourd covertly left in his possession by Lin Shu after the Demon Mountain incident. Chang Yi uses it to seek demon aura and advance within the Demon-Slaying Division. 107
• Bronze qi-tracing disk — A Demon-Slaying Division Dharma Artifact bestowed by Xu Zhonglin; it can trace qi and seek demons, complementing the Qi-Guiding Gourd. 109
• Demon-Slaying Division Dharma Artifacts — Standard-issue equipment granted alongside his captain's robe after his promotion. 109

Relationships

• Lin Shu — Initially attempts to arrest him, then comes to regard him as a mentor and righteous figure. Lin Shu teaches Chang Yi flexibility, decisiveness, and how to weigh risks against lives at stake. 11 20 58 In Demon Mountain, Chang Yi deduces that Lin Shu has covertly protected him and continues to act on what he sees as Brother Lin's guidance, including gathering intelligence on the Demon-Slaying Division's operations. 107 113 115
• Gu Nanzhi — His aunt and the County Lieutenant. She protects and directs him, but repeatedly warns him against becoming entangled with the Fierce Wolves. 42 61 After she disappears in Demon Mountain, Chang Yi seeks promotion and information in hopes of finding her, while Lin Shu promises to arrange a meeting if an opportunity arises. 107 112
• Mother Chang — His anxious mother, who fears that his stubbornness and inexperience will get him killed. 61
• Zhao Family — Chang Yi works to free Zhao's sister-in-law, recover evidence, and clear the family's name after Liu Zhen's false accusation. 42 47
• Yun Niang — Supports her against the Cheng Family's retainers and lends her his saber during her revenge. 77 78
• Dong Cheng — Assists Chang Yi with clearing corpses after the confrontation at the Broken Firewood Courtyard. 78
• Wang Hong — A fellow Demon-Slaying Division recruit who survives the Demon Mountain incident with Chang Yi. Though frequently exasperated by Chang Yi's seriousness, Wang Hong follows his decisions in dangerous situations. 107 110 112
• Ruan Xiangling — A Demon-Slaying Division deputy general who recognizes Chang Yi's performance and takes a favorable interest in his future, intending to introduce him to her master. 114 115
• Xu Zhonglin — A Demon-Slaying Division deputy general who provides Chang Yi with cultivation resources and Dharma Artifacts, while valuing his apparent loyalty, boldness, and hunger for merit. 109 110

Story Role / Major Arcs

Green Willow Alley

Chang Yi attempts to arrest Lin Shu for Zhang Ci's death, but is forced to confront the hypocrisy of treating Zhang Ci's earlier crimes as a “family matter.” 11 He subsequently remains near Green Willow Alley to deter the Good Fortune Martial Hall, even while insisting that he is not protecting Lin Shu. 14

Learning to Be a Good Constable

Disillusioned by corrupt senior constables, Chang Yi asks Lin Shu to teach him how to be a good constable. 20 He begins applying Lin Shu's lessons by acting quickly when lives are in danger rather than waiting for perfect evidence or official approval. 42

Zhao Family Case

Chang Yi urges Gu Nanzhi to release Zhao's sister-in-law immediately, choosing her life over his reputation for strict procedural integrity. 42 After Liu Zhen's death, he retrieves the ledger from the corpse and carries it to the yamen as evidence to clear the Zhao family's name. 47

Ancient Pine Ridge Rescue

After memorizing parts of the confiscated ledger, Chang Yi independently investigates its cases and infiltrates Ancient Pine Ridge. 55 He frees captives from the underground cells but is exposed after killing guards. 55 Lin Shu arrives during the ensuing confrontation, destroys the Cunning Fox Hall force, and reinforces Chang Yi's lesson in acting decisively. 56 58

Head Constable of Four Directions Street

Chang Yi is promoted to Head Constable and assigned to Four Directions Street, an arrangement Lin Shu recognizes as Gu Nanzhi's attempt to keep him safe and out of larger political conflicts. 55 60 He arranges protection and provisions for the rescued captives despite the backlash caused by delivering a courtyard full of corpses to the yamen. 60 61

Cheng Family Confrontation

When the Cheng Family comes for Yun Niang, Chang Yi stands against their retainers with his hand on his saber, refusing to retreat. 77 He supports Yun Niang as she takes revenge on the Cheng couple, then helps Lin Shu clear the bodies afterward. 77 78

Demon-Slaying Division Service

Chang Yi joins the Demon-Slaying Division and enters Demon Mountain as a recruit, hoping to find Gu Nanzhi while avoiding suspicion about his connection to Lin Shu. 105 107 Gong Yue attempts to use him as bait to expose demons, but Chang Yi survives the encounter and discovers the Qi-Guiding Gourd that Lin Shu secretly leaves on him. 105 107 He uses this opportunity to secure a captain's position, cultivation resources, and demon-hunting equipment. 109

Demon Mountain Reconnaissance

As a captain, Chang Yi leads a large group of recruits through Demon Mountain, using the Golden Lion aura and his own careful application of Demon-Slaying Division training to avoid a trap. 110 He displays growing tactical judgment by recognizing continuing danger after a battle, firing a signal arrow, and ordering Wang Hong to flee. 112

Covert Intelligence Work

After learning that Lin Shu is nearby and connected to Gu Nanzhi's survival, Chang Yi begins covertly supporting him from within the Demon-Slaying Division. 107 113 He uses access gained through Deputy General Ruan Xiangling to obtain details on the Division's planned assault on Demon Mountain, then secretly passes the information to Lin Shu and accepts further intelligence-gathering responsibilities. 115

Trivia

• Chang Yi initially mistakes Lin Shu for an experienced Blackwater Gang operative despite Lin Shu appearing only slightly older than himself. 11
• He is exceptionally sensitive about being perceived as someone who relies on family influence or special connections. 42 55
• Lin Shu considers Chang Yi unusually idealistic for Blackwater City, while Yu Sheng describes him as someone the city should not be able to produce. 55
• Chang Yi initially believes that Lin Shu is a righteous undercover figure within the Blackwater Gang, even after Lin Shu directly denies giving him assignments. 55
• His determination to become a Demon-Slaying Division lieutenant is so conspicuous that fellow recruits initially mistake it for reckless hunger for merit. 107 110