Li Yi

Biodata

Background / History

Li Yi is a Spirit Hall Academy teacher specializing in Martial Soul research and the older brother of Li Ruolan, Duan Fan's class teacher. After Duan Fan displays the unusual creation-based properties of Life from the Brush, Li Yi begins regularly observing him whenever his soul power rises, recording changes to his Martial Soul, Soul Rings, and Soul Skills. 23 26 28

He accompanies Duan Fan and Li Ruolan into the Star Dou Forest to select a second Soul Ring. Li Yi identifies the Black Flame Demon Fox as a suitable target because of its creative traits, reasoning that Duan Fan's Fantasy Pen may reproduce the Soul Beast through drawing rather than merely inherit its black flames. 30

During the expedition, Li Yi witnesses Duan Fan's extraordinary physique and correctly deduces that he possesses a Second Martial Soul. Duan Fan subsequently reveals the Soul-Sucking Battle Axe, confirming his Twin Martial Souls. Li Yi and Li Ruolan decide that the discovery must be reported to higher authorities. 31

Li Yi later explains that his report drew the Pope's attention and resulted in Ghost Leopard Douluo being sent to supervise Duan Fan's second Soul Ring acquisition. He remains involved in Duan Fan's development, preparing research materials for the third Soul Ring and helping process Duan Fan's graduation from Spirit Hall Academy. 34 45 55

Appearance

Li Yi is a tall, slender middle-aged man with an appearance resembling his younger sister, Li Ruolan. 23

• Wears a gray long coat and black-rimmed glasses. 23
• Has a small black mole between his eyebrows. 23
• Carries himself with a gentle, scholarly demeanor. 23 29

Personality

Li Yi is thorough, sincere, and deeply dedicated to Martial Soul research. His repeated examinations of Duan Fan are methodical rather than intrusive: he schedules them around cultivation breakthroughs, asks detailed questions, and collects data on every observed change. 23 26 28

He is humble in academic discussion. Fang Qingshan notes that Li Yi willingly exchanges ideas with him at the library, speaks frankly, and asks for advice without looking down on Fang Qingshan's position as a librarian. 29

Duan Fan's Twin Martial Souls and unprecedented Soul Ring potential excite Li Yi greatly, sometimes causing him to react with open astonishment. Despite this enthusiasm, he remains concerned for Duan Fan's safety and recognizes when conventional Soul Ring standards may no longer apply. 31 32 37

Abilities & Skills

Martial Soul Research

Li Yi specializes in researching Martial Souls and applies his knowledge to Duan Fan's cultivation path.

• Tracks the evolution of Duan Fan's Soul Skills after increases in soul power. 23 26
• Collects practical data by having Duan Fan demonstrate his Martial Soul and Soul Skills in the practice area. 28
• Identifies the Black Flame Demon Fox as a compatible second Soul Ring candidate due to its creative qualities. 30
• Deduces the existence of Duan Fan's Second Martial Soul from his abnormal physical strength and durability. 31
• Prepares detailed Soul Beast research for Duan Fan's third Soul Ring selection. 45

Soul Master Strength

Li Yi possesses five Soul Rings and is substantially stronger than Duan Fan during their first expedition to the Star Dou Forest. 31

• Activates his Martial Soul while testing Duan Fan's physical strength. 31
• Receives Duan Fan's full-force punch with his palm, though the impact drives him back several meters. 31
• Is capable of traveling through the Star Dou Forest with Li Ruolan while protecting and guiding Duan Fan. 30

Relationships

• Duan Fan — Teacher, researcher, and early cultivation adviser. Li Yi monitors Duan Fan's unique Martial Soul, helps plan his Soul Rings, and handles important academy procedures. 23 30 45 55
• Li Ruolan — Younger sister and fellow Spirit Hall Academy teacher. The siblings jointly investigate and report Duan Fan's Twin Martial Souls. 23 31
• Fang Qingshan — Acquaintance and fellow Martial Soul researcher. They discuss research topics at the academy library, where Li Yi treats Fang Qingshan with respect. 29
• Ghost Leopard Douluo — Spirit Hall elder assigned after Li Yi's report on Duan Fan. Li Yi initially intends to prepare Duan Fan for the elder's arrival, but Ghost Leopard Douluo takes Duan Fan directly to obtain his Soul Ring. 34
• Bibi Dong — The Pope summons Li Yi after he reports Duan Fan's exceptional circumstances; Li Yi believes she has taken an interest in Duan Fan. 34

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Early observation of Duan Fan — Begins documenting the changes in Duan Fan's Soul Skills and Martial Soul after recognizing the uniqueness of Life from the Brush. 23 26 28
• Second Soul Ring expedition — Recommends the Black Flame Demon Fox, investigates Duan Fan's physical abnormality, and discovers the existence of the Soul-Sucking Battle Axe. 30 31
• Twin Martial Souls report — Reports the revelation upward, indirectly bringing Ghost Leopard Douluo and the Pope into Duan Fan's development. 31 34
• Third Soul Ring preparation — Supplies Duan Fan with researched Soul Beast information for his third Soul Ring selection. 45
• Academy graduation — Assists Li Ruolan in completing Duan Fan's formal graduation from Spirit Hall Academy. 55