Xiao Li

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Xiao Li (萧厉)
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Desert Iron Mercenary Group; Xiao Clan
Occupation/Role	Co-leader and Second Company Leader of the Desert Iron Mercenary Group 152 160
Status	Alive 174
First Appearance	Chapter 152

Background / History

Xiao Li left the Xiao Clan to train alongside Xiao Ding; the two later became the leaders of the Desert Iron Mercenary Group in the Tagor Desert. During Xiao Tianci's childhood, Xiao Li and Xiao Ding would protect him and help him retaliate against bullies within the Xiao Clan. 152 156

He reunites with Xiao Tianci when the latter returns to the Desert Iron Mercenary Group with Xue Lan. Though initially unable to recognize his transformed cousin, Xiao Li quickly welcomes him warmly and brings him to meet Xiao Ding. 152

Xiao Li is stunned to learn that Xiao Tianci has become a Third-Grade Alchemist, and he later challenges him to a public sparring match to assess how far his cousin has grown. 153 160

Personality

Xiao Li is direct, energetic, and competitive. He eagerly tests Xiao Tianci in combat, but treats the match as a respectful exchange between brothers rather than a hostile challenge. 160 161

He is protective of his family and mercenary group. When facing the Sand Mercenary Group, he defeats but spares Mo Xing, anticipating that killing him would provoke a larger conflict with Sha Luo. 171

He is also notably kind toward Qing Lin; Xiao Tianci identifies Xiao Li and Xiao Ding as the only members of the Desert Iron Mercenary Group who had shown her kindness before his arrival. 155

Abilities & Skills

Four-Star Dou Shi Cultivation

Xiao Li is a four-star Dou Shi whose cultivation has remained stable long enough that Xiao Ding expects him to break through again soon. 161

• Can form a protective Dou Qi gauze around his body. 161
• Serves as one of the Desert Iron Mercenary Group's principal combatants. 160 172

Lightning-Attribute Dou Qi

Xiao Li wields rare lightning-attribute Dou Qi, manifested as silver or purple energy around his body and spear. 160 161 162

• Possesses stronger offensive force than ordinary elemental Dou Qi. 161
• Transfers a numbing effect through weapon clashes, potentially immobilizing an equal opponent for several seconds. 161
• Produces visible electrical arcs along his spearhead. 162

Three-Stage Lightning Arc Dance

Xiao Li's signature technique is a low Xuan-class Dou Technique centered on violent attack power. 162

• Uses a rapid, escalating spear sequence enhanced by lightning-attribute Dou Qi. 162
• Its raw offensive power is stated to rival some mid Xuan-class techniques. 162
• He employs it against Xiao Tianci after recognizing the pressure of their sparring match. 162 163

Spearmanship

Xiao Li fights with a tungsten-steel spear and demonstrates quick changes in reach, angle, and momentum. 160 162

• Uses spear-and-sword impacts to damage or disarm an opponent's weapon. 162 163
• Can retreat and reposition immediately after an unsuccessful exchange rather than overcommitting. 162

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Tungsten-steel spear — Xiao Li's primary weapon during his spar with Xiao Tianci. 160
• Dou Qi gauze — silver lightning-attribute protective coating formed around his body. 161

Relationships

• Xiao Tianci — Cousin and sworn-style younger brother. Xiao Li protected him during childhood, warmly welcomes his return, and challenges him to a respectful spar. 152 156 160
• Xiao Ding — Fellow cousin, elder brother, and co-leader of the Desert Iron Mercenary Group. The two coordinate the group's affairs and discuss threats together. 152 164 171
• Xiao Yan — Younger brother; Xiao Li takes pride in his strength and talent. 164
• Qing Lin — A member of the Desert Iron Mercenary Group whom Xiao Li treats with unusual kindness. 155
• Mo Xing — Second-in-command of the rival Sand Mercenary Group. Xiao Li defeats and spares him, expecting retaliation from Sha Luo. 170 171
• Sha Luo — Leader of the Sand Mercenary Group and a potential threat to Xiao Li's mercenary company. 171 172

Story Role / Major Arcs

Reunion in Stone Desert City

Xiao Li reunites with Xiao Tianci at the Desert Iron Mercenary Group's base, revealing their familial connection to Xue Lan and the other mercenaries. He brings Xiao Tianci to Xiao Ding, where both brothers learn of his status as a Third-Grade Alchemist. 152 153

Desert Iron Mercenary Group Test

During the group's competition for squad-leader positions, Xiao Li publicly challenges Xiao Tianci. He fights with his lightning-attribute spear arts and Three-Stage Lightning Arc Dance, while Xiao Tianci deliberately restrains himself to preserve Xiao Li's standing before his subordinates. 160 161 162 163

Search for Desert Treasures

Xiao Li supports Xiao Tianci and Xiao Ding's search for the Azure Cloud Sacred Ice and Red Water Spirit Root, though he has no knowledge of either treasure. 164 165

Sand Mercenary Group Conflict

When Mo Xing intrudes on the Desert Iron Mercenary Group's operation, Xiao Li drives him off but allows him to leave alive. He correctly predicts that Sha Luo will retaliate, prompting Xiao Tianci to intervene on the group's behalf. 170 171