Ji Xuanyuan

Biodata

Background

Ji Xuanyuan is Emperor Hongwu’s fifth son. During an escorted journey away from the capital, he was ambushed by forces whose identity and motive he did not understand. Despite his father’s instruction to conceal his identity, he revealed himself as the Fifth Prince to Xiao Fan after the two survived danger together. 5 7

His early encounters outside the capital exposed both his goodwill and his inexperience. At Cloud Hidden Village, he sincerely urged residents to relocate from the threat of Night Erosion, but failed to understand why abandoning their homes was unrealistic. While returning to the capital, he adopted the alias “Ji Laowu” and gradually accepted Xiao Fan’s insistence that revealing his identity could invite another attack. 6 9 11

At the capital gate, Ji Xuanyuan was beaten by Zhang Bin’s men after refusing to kneel and kowtow. The incident reinforced the danger surrounding him, while Xiao Fan’s defense of him cemented their bond. 10 11

Personality

Ji Xuanyuan is openhearted, informal, and unusually unconcerned with rank. He repeatedly treats Xiao Fan as a brother rather than a subordinate, even though such closeness between an imperial prince and a commoner risks court gossip. 5 21 93

He is also naive about politics and ordinary people’s hardships, often relying on Xiao Fan to explain court taboos, conspiracies, and practical consequences. He nevertheless listens when advised and gradually becomes willing to participate in affairs he once avoided, including the Nine Provinces Martial Tournament and imperial recommendations. 6 22 39

Despite being frightened of Emperor Hongwu and lacking confidence in his own cultivation, Ji Xuanyuan is emotionally sincere and principled. He is angered by abuses against commoners, worries deeply over his father’s condition, and feels guilty for neglecting his Second Prince brother. 37 65 105 111 183

Abilities & Skills

Sovereign True Dragon Heart Seal

The Sovereign True Dragon Heart Seal is Great Liang’s royal cultivation art, transmitted personally by the emperor to his sons. Ji Xuanyuan knows the general outline and first two chapters of its upper volume. 37 38

• Ji Xuanyuan has not broken through to the ninth rank, placing him far behind his brothers in cultivation. 38
• He can sense dragon qi within the capital’s earth veins, although this ability weakened as he grew older. 50
• He has manifested a faint black dragon scale on his right arm, but can sustain it only briefly before becoming exhausted. 38
• Dragon qi enters his body but leaks back out instead of merging with his sinews and bones; Xiao Fan concludes that an unknown factor is disrupting his cultivation rather than a lack of talent. 50
• Attempting to absorb dragon qi leaves him pale and coughing, requiring Xiao Fan to stabilize the rampaging qi. 50

Basic Martial Instruction

Ji Xuanyuan has attempted to teach Yu Hao a basic boxing form with great seriousness. Xiao Fan judges both their form and qi circulation to be deeply flawed. 180

Possessions and Resources

• Cloud Rest Garden — Ji Xuanyuan’s residence in the capital; it was originally associated with the Crown Prince. 20
• Coiled Dragon Jade Pendant — Given to Xiao Fan during their return journey and exchanged for travel funds, a donkey cart, and supplies. 6
• Life Jade Pendant — A pendant Ji Xuanyuan gave Xiao Fan; it later reacted abnormally beneath moonlight. 16
• Wealth sent to the Xiao family — He delivered a chest of gold, two chests of silver, jewels, brocades, and valuable Western Regions yellow jade to repay Xiao Fan. 16

Relationships

• Xiao Fan — Trusted confidant and sworn-brother-like companion. Xiao Fan saved him during the journey, became his recommended warrior, and serves as his political adviser and protector. Ji Xuanyuan repeatedly calls Xiao Fan his “real big brother.” 5 21 45 183
• Emperor Hongwu — His father. Ji Xuanyuan fears him intensely after harsh punishment over his studies, yet remains genuinely concerned for his health and seeks his approval. 37 48 111 163
• Ji Xuanzhao — The Crown Prince and Ji Xuanyuan’s elder brother. They share a close bond; the Crown Prince supports Ji Xuanyuan’s nomination of Xiao Fan for the tournament. 19 20 45
• Ji Xuanyin — The Fourth Prince. Ji Xuanyin tests and politically manipulates Ji Xuanyuan, who is often slow to recognize his brother’s schemes. 45 85
• Princess Lingxi / Ji Yunshu — His younger sister. Their relationship is playful and affectionate, marked by teasing and Ji Xuanyuan’s gifts of storybooks. 21
• Second Prince — His elder brother. Ji Xuanyuan regrets not visiting him for years and chooses to attend his potentially dangerous family banquet. 183
• Li Mingyuan — A Bureau of Celestial Observation sorcerer who recognizes Ji Xuanyuan after his identity is revealed. 11 12
• Wang Mazi — A traveling companion who quickly became friendly with Ji Xuanyuan during the return to the capital. 9
• Yu Hao — A noble sorcerer who initially sought Ji Xuanyuan’s tournament nomination. Ji Xuanyuan later attempts to teach him basic martial arts. 50 51 180

Story Role and Major Arcs

• Ambush and return to the capital — Reveals his identity to Xiao Fan, tries to aid Cloud Hidden Village, and learns to conceal his status while traveling under the name Ji Laowu. 5 6 9
• Capital-gate conflict — Is humiliated and beaten by Zhang Bin’s soldiers, but refuses to submit; Xiao Fan’s intervention strengthens their loyalty to one another. 10 11
• Xiao Fan’s patron — Supports Xiao Fan’s plan to enter the Shadow Pivot Court through the Nine Provinces Martial Tournament, trusting his judgment even when he does not understand the political strategy. 21 22
• Cultivation crisis — After Emperor Hongwu punishes him for poor “studies,” he shares the Sovereign True Dragon Heart Seal with Xiao Fan and learns that his failure may be caused by interference within his body. 37 38 50
• Nine Provinces Martial Tournament — Recommends Xiao Fan as his candidate with the Crown Prince’s backing, despite fears of provoking conflict with the other princes. 39 45 47
• Protection of Qin Han’s victims — Offers Cloud Rest Garden as shelter to Wang Mazi and Ouyang Jing after hearing of Qin Han’s crimes, vowing to intervene against the injustice. 65
• Concern for the Emperor — Notices signs that Emperor Hongwu may be unwell and personally enters the palace to verify his father’s condition. 105 111
• Recognition after the tournament — Receives rare praise from Emperor Hongwu for finding and recommending Xiao Fan, whose victory preserved Great Liang’s honor. 163
• Second Prince’s banquet — Chooses to attend his Second Prince brother’s banquet out of remorse and familial loyalty, with Xiao Fan agreeing to accompany him for protection. 183

Notable Quotes

“If I say you can, then you can!” 5

“Old Xiao! You... you're my real big brother!” 183