Zhang Xiaofan

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Zhang Xiaofan (张小凡)
Alias(es)	Little Senior Brother; Seventh Junior Brother; Master Zhang
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Azure Cloud Sect, Big Bamboo Peak; later Vice Sect Master of the Ghost King Sect 653
Occupation/Role	Cultivator, Big Bamboo Peak disciple, combatant, and cook
Status	Active

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Near Second Level, Taiji Mystic Purity Dao	38	Approached the second level in less than a year through Luo Yunji's modified cultivation method, far faster than the usual five-year expectation. 38
Second Level, Taiji Mystic Purity Dao	66	His second-level cultivation is confirmed while preparing food for the group. 66
Fourth Level	68	Remained at the fourth level while the other Big Bamboo Peak disciples had reached at least the fifth. 68
Upper Purity Realm, Taiji Mystic Purity Dao	448	Old Ancestor Fengyue identifies Zhang Xiaofan as having reached the Upper Purity Realm. 448

Background / History

Zhang Xiaofan was left alone after his parents and the rest of his village were wiped out overnight. He later joined Azure Cloud Sect's Big Bamboo Peak, where Tian Buyi and Su Ru treated him as family and his senior brothers became his closest support. 290

Though considered poorly gifted, Zhang Xiaofan trained relentlessly under Luo Yunji's altered version of the Taiji Mystic Purity Dao. His persistence allowed him to surpass many of his far more experienced senior brothers in combat ability. 38 231 348

While protecting Luo Yunji near the Heartless Sea, Zhang Xiaofan's left leg was nearly consumed by a Sea Butterfly. The Fire Poker absorbed the creature's blood energy and fed it back into his leg, leaving it extraordinarily durable and powerful. 133 174

His strength became widely known during the Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament. He defeated Lu Xueqi's Divine Sword Thunder Command True Art with the complete Dragon Slayer Art, then swiftly defeated Qi Hao in the final and received the Six-Harmony Mirror from Daoxuan. 250 251

As his power grew, Zhang Xiaofan accumulated Taoist, Buddhist, and demonic spiritual powers. He repeatedly pushed himself to the edge of demonic deviation to advance, relying on Buddhist practice and the aid of Daoyan and Puzhi to retain his clarity. 368 881

Personality

Zhang Xiaofan is diligent, humble, and deeply attached to Big Bamboo Peak. He values the home Tian Buyi, Su Ru, and his senior brothers gave him, and refuses to abandon them despite pressure from outside forces. 239 348

He is especially protective of Luo Yunji. Threats, insults, or harm directed at his Little Junior Brother can provoke a cold and ruthless side that even allies find frightening. 249 265 653

Despite his violence in battle, Zhang Xiaofan is capable of restraint and remorse. He regretted killing Zhou Yin after realizing Lin Jingyu may have wished to take revenge himself. 368 His struggle against his inner darkness remains a defining weakness; when consumed by hatred, he can become indiscriminate and bloodthirsty. 881

Abilities & Skills

Modified Taiji Mystic Purity Dao

Zhang Xiaofan cultivates Luo Yunji's improved form of the Azure Cloud Sect's Taiji Mystic Purity Dao.

• Manifests Taiji Seals for defense, offense, and aerial support. 138 607 608
• Can form a golden-red Taiji Seal while meditating. 138
• His seals can be used as platforms while airborne. 608
• Reached the Upper Purity Realm by the time of the bandit-stronghold conflict. 448

Footwork and Soaring Crane

Zhang Xiaofan's movement arts are his most recognizable non-weapon skill. He learned to use the Twelve Steps under Luo Yunji's guidance and can use force in midair.

• Steps on empty air to change direction, hover, leap, and accelerate without a magic treasure. 63 142 249
• Uses Soaring Crane to cross distances rapidly and catch falling allies. 250
• Can evade attacks from stronger opponents through speed and unpredictable movement. 215 608 690
• Footwork can restore spiritual energy, allowing prolonged use of Daoist arts if the user's body can endure it. 952
• Even Zhang Xiaofan has not mastered the intermediate Footwork. 952

Enhanced Left Leg

His altered left leg is the result of the Sea Butterfly incident and the Fire Poker's blood-energy absorption.

• Can strike with exceptional physical force, including breaking through eight ice walls and launching Qi Hao from the arena. 251
• Withstood direct clashes with Tianya, a Nine Heavens Divine Weapon. 234 250
• Enables his aerial stepping and much of his superior Footwork. 187
• Retains remarkable control, such as kicking a massive ice ball uphill without shattering it. 256

Dragon Slayer Art

Zhang Xiaofan can perform both simplified and complete forms of the Dragon Slayer Art.

• The simplified form requires a large amount of spiritual energy and time to gather power. 216
• The complete form requires the mind-linked Fire Poker. 251
• Used the complete art to disperse Lu Xueqi's Divine Sword Thunder Command True Art and win their match. 250
• Its blood-red influence can endanger nearby low-cultivation disciples by affecting their souls. 250
• At the Upper Purity Realm, the art manifests three spiritual dragons; completion would produce twelve. 716
• Repeated use heavily strains his meridians and can leave him near collapse. 659

Fire Poker and Blood-Refining

Zhang Xiaofan's Fire Poker is a blood-refined magic treasure fused from the Bloodthirsty Bead and Soul Eater.

• Linked to his mind and spirit; no one else can wield it. 251 274
• Can be controlled through spiritual power even where others cannot use their magic treasures. 184
• Its evil aura and blood-draining nature can intensify Zhang Xiaofan's demonic state. 368 881
• Zhang Xiaofan practices Buddhist teachings to resist its corrupting influence. 251 856

Tripartite Exotic Energy

The friction between Zhang Xiaofan's Taoist, Buddhist, and demonic spiritual powers creates an energy distinct from ordinary spiritual power.

• Can be channeled through a Taiji Seal to destroy otherwise untouchable Underworld entities. 462
• Can protect others from black shadows and hostile phenomena. 580
• Is scarce and cannot be used indefinitely. 462

Jin and Force Application

Zhang Xiaofan trains his body alongside spiritual cultivation, allowing him to fight effectively even in areas where spiritual power is restricted.

• Uses Jin and Footwork for close combat without relying on magic treasures. 166
• Practiced Luo Yunji's Force Application technique, discovering its unusual compatibility with his altered left leg. 138
• Demonstrated destructive physical power within the Imperial City, where immortal arts could not be used. 166

Cooking

Zhang Xiaofan is an accomplished cook whose food is valued by cultivators, nobles, and his fellow disciples.

• Prepares medicinal cuisine that supports the group during travel and recovery. 66 270
• Created the sought-after “Seven Sages Gathering.” 194
• Later established the Food Mansion and entrusted its expansion to trusted former classmates. 699

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Fire Poker — Blood-refined weapon formed from the Bloodthirsty Bead and Soul Eater; Zhang Xiaofan's primary magic treasure. 251 274
• Six-Harmony Mirror — Awarded by Daoxuan after Zhang Xiaofan won the Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament. 251
• Vajra Bowl — The long-lost Tianyin Temple treasure, identified as Zhang Xiaofan's rice bowl. 358
• Parting Awl — Reclaimed after Zhang Xiaofan killed Zhou Yin. 367
• Bamboo Bag — His regular travel pack; heavy enough that Zeng Shushu could not lift it. 254
• Mysterious Gauze clothing — Lightweight and highly durable clothing, able to withstand even a Nine Heavens Divine Weapon with minimal damage. 263

Relationships

• Luo Yunji — Little Junior Brother and Zhang Xiaofan's foremost concern. Zhang Xiaofan consistently protects, feeds, follows, and fights for him. 46 249 265 680
• Tian Buyi — Master. Tian Buyi is proud of Zhang Xiaofan's power and repeatedly protects him before the sect's leaders. 251 358 394
• Su Ru — Mistress and maternal figure. She worries over Zhang Xiaofan's injuries and supports him as part of the Big Bamboo Peak family. 234 250
• Lin Jingyu — Childhood friend. Though Lin Jingyu initially misunderstands Zhang Xiaofan's life on Big Bamboo Peak, they remain mutually protective. 239 366
• Tian Linger — Fellow Big Bamboo Peak disciple. She shows concern for Zhang Xiaofan's condition and remains at his side during crises. 243 368
• Lu Xueqi — Tournament opponent and respected peer. Zhang Xiaofan defeated her in the Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament but saved her when she fell afterward. 249 250
• Qi Hao — Tournament rival who later confronts Zhang Xiaofan over his methods and fears he may follow a dark path. 251 265
• Ghost King — Initially sought to recruit Zhang Xiaofan; Zhang Xiaofan later became Vice Sect Master of the Ghost King Sect. 273 653
• Bi Yao — A Ghost King Sect cultivator whom Zhang Xiaofan easily defeats in sparring; she recognizes the gulf in their combat experience. 608
• Old Ancestor Fengyue — Former adversary whose grievance with Zhang Xiaofan is eventually settled, opening the possibility of cooperation. 471

Story Role / Major Arcs

Big Bamboo Peak Training

Zhang Xiaofan develops through Luo Yunji's revised cultivation method, extreme physical training, and the transformation of his left leg. His rapid improvement challenges the belief that poor aptitude determines a cultivator's future. 38 63 174

Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament

He conceals his true strength in earlier matches, then openly uses his Footwork, Fire Poker, and Dragon Slayer Art against Lu Xueqi and Qi Hao. His victories bring Big Bamboo Peak recognition and force Azure Cloud Sect to confront the value of Luo Yunji's improved cultivation method. 245 250 251

Kongsang Mountain and Demon Sect Conflicts

While investigating the Ancient Cave of Ten Thousand Bats and later facing Blood Refining Hall forces, Zhang Xiaofan establishes himself as a decisive combatant. He protects Luo Yunji, saves righteous cultivators, and begins displaying increasingly ruthless tactics. 259 265 285

Azure Cloud Sect Investigation

Zhang Xiaofan faces questioning over the Fire Poker, the Bloodthirsty Bead, Buddhist teachings, and the Vajra Bowl. He remains straightforward before the sect leaders and refuses to allow accusations against Big Bamboo Peak to go unanswered. 350 358

Sanfu Town and the Ghost King Sect

Zhang Xiaofan helps maintain order in Sanfu Town, executes murderers and bandits, and eventually acts as Vice Sect Master of the Ghost King Sect. His position and methods make enemies fear him, particularly when Luo Yunji is threatened. 440 449 653 654

Inner Demon Struggle

Years of combat and deliberate brushes with demonic deviation culminate in Zhang Xiaofan confronting a manifestation of himself within his Sea of Consciousness. His internal conflict remains unresolved, tied to the Fire Poker and the violence he has committed. 716 717 881

Notable Quotes

“If he was the one who had done something, he would never deny it. But if anyone tried to drag Big Bamboo Peak into the mud, he would tear a piece of flesh off them even if it meant he had to be smashed to pieces!” 350

“I only did this because I didn't want Little Junior Brother to see a bloody scene; it would affect his appetite. With the other senior brothers away, I have to protect Little Junior Brother well!” 265

Trivia

• Luo Yunji's drawings depict Zhang Xiaofan as a stick figure holding a short black rod, representing the Fire Poker. 175
• Zhang Xiaofan is one of the few Big Bamboo Peak disciples able to fully use the Twelve Steps in complex movement rather than only in a straight line. 187
• His cooking is so notable that Lin Jingyu initially mistakes it as proof Zhang Xiaofan is being treated as a servant rather than as a disciple. 239