Laozi

Biodata

Appearance

Laozi appears as an old man. His demeanor is calm and unreadable, “like an ancient well without ripples.” 8

Personality

Laozi is composed and restrained even when facing stronger opponents. When Hongjun forcibly summons him to Purple Cloud Palace, he is the first of the group to regain his composure and formally ask why they were brought there. 14

He values independence in cultivation and refuses opportunities that would place him under the Heavenly Dao’s control. Having received Wuchen's warning, he declines Hongjun’s first sermon and later rejects involvement in the campaign against the Witch Clan. 12 19 21

Laozi also acts as a stabilizing presence among his brothers. He attempts to mediate the conflict between Yuanshi and Tongtian, and later cautions Yuanshi against joining the anti-Witch campaign. 8 20

Cultivation

• Early Great Luo Golden Immortal — Laozi travels with Yuanshi and Tongtian at this realm when they meet Wuchen. 8
• Dao of Yin and Yang — His Dao overlaps in part with the laws Wuchen has comprehended. 23
• Primordial Purple Qi — Hongjun forcibly merges Primordial Purple Qi into Laozi’s Primordial Spirit. Wuchen identifies it as both a chance for sainthood and a Heavenly Dao-controlled shackle. 20
• Law manifestation — Laozi later reveals his laws to Wuchen without reservation, allowing Wuchen to comprehend them. 23

Background / History

Laozi encounters Wuchen—then using the name Dan Yangzi—while traveling with Yuanshi and Tongtian. Wuchen sends a stream of light into Laozi’s glabella, granting him guidance concerning his Dao; unlike Yuanshi, Laozi receives this opportunity alongside Tongtian. 8

When Hongjun announces the opening of Purple Cloud Palace, Laozi recognizes the implications of Wuchen’s guidance and refuses to attend, saying he is on the verge of a breakthrough. 12 Hongjun later forcibly brings Laozi, Tongtian, Nuwa, and Fuxi to the palace. Laozi and Tongtian are injured by the overwhelming disparity between their Great Luo cultivation and Hongjun’s saintly power. 14

After Fuxi is exposed and refined by Hongjun, Laozi and Tongtian seek an opportunity to resist the Heavenly Dao. They depart Purple Cloud Palace when Wuchen challenges Hongjun, hoping that the unknown combatant may be able to oppose the Saint. 15 17

Hongjun subsequently compels Laozi, Tongtian, Nuwa, Jieyin, and Zhunti to listen to a three-era sermon. Afterward, Laozi leaves Purple Cloud Palace rather than compete for the promised opportunity of sainthood through the destruction of the Witch Clan. 18 19

Hongjun implants Primordial Purple Qi into Laozi, Tongtian, and Nuwa. The three seek Wuchen’s aid, but even Wuchen cannot remove the qi from Laozi’s Primordial Spirit because of the Heavenly Dao power protecting it. 20 Wuchen later tells Laozi and Tongtian that their safety depends upon Nuwa first attaining her Dao. 21

Relationships

• Tongtian — Younger brother and fellow member of the Three Pure Ones. Both receive Wuchen’s guidance, refuse Hongjun’s sermon at first, resist the Heavenly Dao’s control, and seek Wuchen’s help together. 8 12 20
• Yuanshi — Younger brother. Laozi tries to ease Yuanshi’s conflict with Tongtian, but later separates from him when Yuanshi chooses to pursue Hongjun’s offered chance at sainthood. 8 20
• Wuchen / Dan Yangzi — A senior benefactor whose early guidance leads Laozi to reject Heaven’s binding. Laozi later seeks his help against the Primordial Purple Qi and shares his laws with him. 8 20 23
• Hongjun — Saint who forcibly brings Laozi to Purple Cloud Palace, injures him, compels him to hear the Dao, and implants Primordial Purple Qi into his Primordial Spirit. 14 18 20
• Nuwa — Fellow recipient of Primordial Purple Qi. Laozi learns from Wuchen that her future attainment of the Dao may determine his and Tongtian’s freedom. 20 21
• Fuxi — Laozi witnesses Hongjun refine Fuxi after exposing him as Dan Yangzi’s false body. 15

Story Role / Major Arcs

Meeting Dan Yangzi

Laozi meets Wuchen with Yuanshi and Tongtian during their travels. He receives Dao guidance that later informs his refusal to submit to Hongjun’s arrangements. 8

Refusal of Purple Cloud Palace

Laozi declines Hongjun’s sermon despite its importance to the Primordial World. Hongjun interprets this refusal as evidence that the “variable” has interfered with Laozi and the others. 12 14

Captivity at Purple Cloud Palace

Hongjun forcibly summons Laozi, Tongtian, Nuwa, and Fuxi to interrogate them about the variable. Laozi endures injury and intimidation but remains aligned with Tongtian and Nuwa against Heavenly Dao control. 14 15

Resistance to Heavenly Dao Control

After receiving Primordial Purple Qi, Laozi turns to Wuchen for a way to remove it. Though removal fails, Wuchen offers hope that Nuwa’s future attainment may free Laozi and Tongtian from the shackle. 20 21

Discussion of the Dao with Wuchen

At Mount Kunlun, Laozi welcomes Wuchen into Tusita Palace and openly reveals his Yin and Yang laws for Wuchen’s comprehension. 23