Cao Ying

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Cao Ying (曹颖)
Alias(es)	“Enchantress”; “Little Enchantress”; “Little Demoness”; “Treasure Pill Grandmaster”
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Cao Clan; later the Thunder Clan through Lei Qi
Occupation/Role	Alchemist; formerly Lei Qi’s personal maid; Lei Qi’s favored concubine/wife
Children	Lei Chen; an unnamed second son with Lei Qi 92 203
First Appearance	Chapter 11 (mentioned); Chapter 13 (appearance)

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Three-star Da Dou Shi	12	Identified as a thirteen-year-old three-star Da Dou Shi and fourth-tier alchemist when Lei Qi’s party investigates the Cao Clan.
Nine-star Da Dou Shi	43	Reaches nine-star Da Dou Shi during Lei Qi’s year of seclusion; her flame control suggests she is close to fifth-tier alchemy.
Fifth-tier alchemist	44	Successfully refines a fifth-tier pill under Lei Qi’s guidance.
Sixth-tier alchemist	58	Recognized by the Thunder Clan elders as a fifteen-year-old sixth-tier alchemist.
Mid two-star Dou Zong; early seventh-tier alchemist; mid Spirit Realm soul	68	At eighteen, her cultivation trails several of Lei Qi’s other companions, but her alchemy and soul cultivation make her one of the Thunder Clan’s most valued talents.
Peak nine-star Dou Zong; eighth-rank alchemist	117	Reaches the peak of Dou Zong and enters the eighth rank of alchemy after cultivating her soul power.
Two-star Dou Venerate; Heavenly Realm soul	121	Fully digests her accumulated gains, reaches Dou Venerate, and becomes able to refine eighth-rank pills that summon Seven-Colored Pill Lightning.
Mid two-star Dou Venerate	127	Advances further after refining Lei Qi’s nourishing pill following the Pill Convention.
Late four-star Dou Venerate	130	Her cultivation continues to rise after the Pill Convention.
Late eight-star Dou Venerate	170	Reaches the late eight-star level during the Thunder Clan’s large-scale pill-assisted cultivation period.
Treasure Pill Grandmaster / ninth-grade alchemist	200	Her soul reaches the late Heavenly Realm through resources acquired from the Hall of Souls, allowing her to break into the ninth rank of alchemy.
Peak Heavenly Realm soul; initial six-star Dou Sheng	242, 244	Her soul cultivation reaches the peak of the Heavenly Realm, while her cultivation rises to the initial six-star Dou Sheng level.

Background / History

Cao Ying was the Cao Clan’s foremost young alchemy prodigy in Cao City, a major city of the Pill Domain. She possessed exceptional soul power from birth; according to Lei Qi’s knowledge, the power she released nearly killed her mother. She officially became an alchemist at seven and was already a fourth-tier alchemist by thirteen. 11 12

When Lei Qi visited the Cao Clan, Yang Ji’s status as an eight-star Dou Zun pressured its leaders into surrendering Cao Ying as Lei Qi’s personal maid. The Cao Clan head accepted the arrangement to establish ties with the Thunder Clan, despite Cao Ying’s tears and reluctance to leave her home. 12 13

During the three-day journey aboard Lei Qi’s spatial ship, she quickly adapted to serving him, attending to his clothing, meals, and daily routine. Although she initially feared her new position and did not want to be a maidservant, Lei Qi promised her protection and cultivation resources. 13 14

Cao Ying accompanied Lei Qi through the Northwestern Continent, remaining anxious when he entered dangerous areas alone and repeatedly insisting that he not leave her behind. Her initial fear gradually gave way to familiarity, attachment, and a more playful manner around him. 16 17 25

After returning to the Thunder Clan, Cao Ying witnessed the immense strength of Lei Qi’s home clan. Lei Qi introduced her as one of his concubines and persuaded the clan elders to support the cultivation of his companions, specifically emphasizing Cao Ying’s alchemy potential. 37 38

Lei Qi later gave her an eighth-tier Aptitude Pill to improve her cultivation aptitude. Over the following year, she advanced to nine-star Da Dou Shi, maintained her fourth-tier alchemy, and subsequently refined a fifth-tier pill with Lei Qi’s instruction. The Thunder Clan agreed to invest resources in her development after recognizing her talent. 39 40 43 44

Cao Ying’s growth accelerated once the Thunder Clan committed its resources to her soul cultivation and alchemy. By eighteen, she was an early seventh-tier alchemist with a mid Spirit Realm soul, and the clan had begun seeking heavenly treasures capable of supporting her eventual advancement toward ninth-tier alchemy. 68

She later became Lei Qi’s wife in her own form of address and gave birth to their son, Lei Chen. Afterward, Lei Qi supplied her with a soul-cultivation method, extensive pill formulas, and further cultivation resources. She subsequently became pregnant with their second child and was later noted to have borne Lei Qi two sons. 92 102 122 203

When Cao Ying wished to see her parents, Lei Qi personally escorted her back to Cao City with a substantial Thunder Clan entourage. His respectful treatment of her parents, Cao Yan and his wife, confirmed her elevated standing to the Cao Clan and strengthened its connection to the Thunder Clan. 119 120

Cao Ying represented the Cao Clan at the Pill Convention, where she refined an eighth-rank pill that drew Five-Colored Pill Lightning and secured the championship. Her victory further consolidated the Cao Clan’s standing among the Pill Domain’s Five Great Clans. 126 127

As her cultivation, soul power, and alchemy rose, Cao Ying’s position within the Thunder Clan became exceptionally secure. Lei Qi entrusted her with the North Dragon puppet and unrestricted access to medicinal resources for her experiments, while other members of the clan treated her as one of its highest-status figures. 200 203 241

Appearance

Cao Ying is introduced as a graceful thirteen-year-old girl with wine-red hair reaching her waist, bright eyes, and a delicate doll-like face. By age fifteen, her appearance and bearing have noticeably matured, and Lei Qi describes her as having developed the temperament of a “little enchantress.” 13 43

Later depictions present Cao Ying as a tall, slender young woman who frequently wears black and carries a cold, languid, and bewitching bearing. Her hair is described as long and black in these later appearances, in contrast to her wine-red hair at introduction. 68 123 244

• Wine-red hair worn long to her waist at her introduction. 13
• Later described with long black hair over her shoulders and a black dress. 68 123
• Bright, watery eyes and curved brows that convey intelligence. 13
• Delicate oval face, fair rosy skin, and crimson lips. 13 43
• Initially carries a faintly frosty expression. 13
• Her later narrow, languid eyes and porcelain-like features reinforce her “enchantress” image. 68 123
• Refines pills in her own courtyard within Lei Qi’s residence. 43

Personality

Cao Ying is intelligent, observant, and highly adaptable. Despite being distressed when the Cao Clan sends her away, she rapidly learns the responsibilities expected of her and behaves obediently while assessing her new circumstances. 13

Her early fear centers on the vulnerability of being a maidservant; she worries that servants can be bullied and admits that she does not want such a role. Lei Qi’s promise to protect and provide for her helps ease these concerns. 14

As she grows closer to Lei Qi, Cao Ying becomes more outspoken and affectionate. She worries over his safety, objects when he intends to leave her behind, and later teases him openly. However, the arrival of more women around Lei Qi leaves her insecure about being abandoned. 16 25 39 43

In later years, she becomes notably spoiled, languid, and mischievous around Lei Qi, while still understanding the limits of his temperament. Lei Qi regards their dynamic as closer to that of an ordinary married couple than many of his other relationships. 102 203 237

Cao Ying is also politically perceptive. During the Pill Convention, she reassures the Cao Clan that her favored standing in Lei Qi’s household protects their interests despite his association with the Ye Clan. 122

Though she resents pregnancy because she believes it affects her appearance and interrupts her plans, she remains deeply attached to Lei Qi and ultimately accepts their children. 123

Abilities & Skills

Alchemy

Cao Ying is an exceptional alchemy talent from the Cao Clan, regarded by Lei Qi as gifted enough to rival the Medicine Clan’s young talents despite lacking a Dou Emperor bloodline. 11 37

• Became an alchemist at age seven. 11
• Reached fourth-tier alchemy by age thirteen. 12
• Retained fourth-tier alchemy at nine-star Da Dou Shi and was considered close to a fifth-tier breakthrough. 43
• Successfully refined a fifth-tier pill after receiving Lei Qi’s guidance. 44
• Reached the sixth tier by age fifteen, an achievement the Thunder Clan elders considered extraordinary even by Yao Clan standards. 58
• Became an early seventh-tier alchemist by age eighteen. 68
• Breaks through to the eighth rank after cultivating her soul power and later becomes capable of refining pills that summon Seven-Colored Pill Lightning. 117 121
• Won the Pill Convention by refining an eighth-rank pill that drew Five-Colored Pill Lightning. 126
• Reached the ninth rank and became a Treasure Pill Grandmaster after her soul realm advanced to the late Heavenly Realm. 200
• Is recognized as the Continental First Alchemist following her Pill Tower victory and later stands among the foremost alchemists participating in the Medicine Canon. 244
• Receives formal cultivation support from the Thunder Clan because of her demonstrated refining talent. 44

Soul Cultivation

Cao Ying’s innate soul power is the foundation of her extraordinary alchemy aptitude. Her birth released enough soul force to nearly kill her mother, and the Thunder Clan later invested heavily in treasures and methods that could raise her soul realm. 11 68

• Reached the mid Spirit Realm by age eighteen. 68
• Received a soul-cultivation method and a collection of pill formulas from Lei Qi. 102
• Reached the Heavenly Realm by the time she became a two-star Dou Venerate. 121
• Attained the late Heavenly Realm upon becoming a ninth-grade alchemist. 200
• Reached the peak of the Heavenly Realm by the Medicine Canon. 242
• Accurately identifies Hun Xuzi’s flame as an Earth Sub-Flame of the Nihility Devouring Flame. 245

Cultivation

Cao Ying is also a capable cultivator, though Lei Qi considers her cultivation aptitude weaker than her alchemy talent. 12 39

• Three-star Da Dou Shi at thirteen. 12
• Advanced to nine-star Da Dou Shi after a year in the Thunder Clan. 43
• Her aptitude was improved through an eighth-tier Aptitude Pill given by Lei Qi. 39 40
• Reached the mid two-star Dou Zong stage by age eighteen. 68
• Advanced to peak nine-star Dou Zong and later entered the Dou Venerate realm. 117 121
• Reached the late four-star Dou Venerate stage after the Pill Convention. 130
• Reached the late eight-star Dou Venerate stage during the clan’s pill-assisted cultivation period. 170
• Attained the initial six-star Dou Sheng level after being transformed by the Thunder Clan’s resources and Lei Qi’s support. 244

Assets

• North Dragon Puppet — Lei Qi gave her the puppet refined from the North Dragon King, allowing her to handle pill lightning and strengthening her ability to conduct high-level refinement safely. 200 203

Relationships

• Lei Qi — Her master and later husband in her own form of address. Initially taken from the Cao Clan as his personal maid, she becomes attached to him and receives his protection, resources, and alchemy guidance. She is widely regarded as his most favored woman and has borne him two sons. 13 14 39 43 44 92 203 237
• Lei Chen — Her first named son with Lei Qi. Cao Ying gives birth to him before Lei Qi departs for Ancient Dragon Island. 92
• Cao Clan Head — Her clan head, who sends her to Lei Qi in exchange for a connection to the Thunder Clan despite her objections. 13
• Cao Yan and his wife — Cao Ying’s parents. She reunites with them during her return to Cao City, while Lei Qi respectfully addresses them as his parents-in-law. 119
• Cao Chen — The Cao Clan Patriarch during her later return to Cao City and the Pill Convention period. He recognizes that Cao Ying’s status greatly elevates the Cao Clan. 119 123
• Little Fairy Doctor — Fellow companion of Lei Qi. Cao Ying eventually loses her initial hostility toward her and accepts her advice to focus on cultivation. 23
• Cai Lin — Another of Lei Qi’s companions. Cao Ying reacts with displeasure upon learning that the desert’s Queen Medusa has joined their group. Her pregnancy later yields the Heaven-Swallowing Art, which Lei Qi gives to Cai Lin because it suits her bloodline. 31 69
• Yang Ji — Lei Qi’s guard, who treats Cao Ying respectfully because he recognizes her importance to Lei Qi. 23
• Lei Ying and Lei Jin — Thunder Clan leaders who approve the clan’s investment in her alchemy training. 44
• Yao Xumian — A fellow member of Lei Qi’s household who treats Cao Ying with marked deference and considers her a potential champion of the Medicine Canon. 241
• North Dragon Puppet — A powerful puppet entrusted to Cao Ying by Lei Qi to support her high-level alchemy work. 200 203

Story Role / Major Arcs

Cao Clan Recruitment

Lei Qi identifies Cao Ying as the Cao Clan’s “enchantress” and a fourth-tier alchemist, then has Yang Ji demand that she be sent to serve him. Her transfer establishes a connection between the Cao Clan and the Thunder Clan while removing its greatest young alchemy prospect. 11 12 13

Northwestern Continent Journey

Cao Ying travels with Lei Qi after his arrival at Canaan Academy and his subsequent journey through the Northwestern Continent. She remains close to him during the searches for the Woeful Poison Body, Queen Medusa, and other opportunities, increasingly voicing her desire to accompany him. 16 17 25 31

Thunder Clan Training

After arriving in the Thunder Realm, Cao Ying learns the true scale of the Thunder Clan’s power. Lei Qi secures resources for her growth, gives her an Aptitude Pill, and personally guides her pill refinement; these efforts culminate in her fifth-tier breakthrough. 37 39 43 44

The Thunder Clan later recognizes that Cao Ying could become its first ninth-tier alchemist of the era and expands its investment in her soul cultivation, pill formulas, medicinal materials, and refining resources. 68 102 200

Family and Cao Clan Reunion

Cao Ying becomes Lei Qi’s wife and gives birth to Lei Chen. When she wishes to see her parents, Lei Qi accompanies her to Cao City and treats her family with the courtesy due to his own in-laws, strengthening both her affection for him and the Cao Clan’s standing. 92 119 120

Pill Convention Championship

Cao Ying represents the Cao Clan at the Pill Convention after reaching the eighth rank of alchemy. With Lei Qi deliberately declining to surpass her result, she refines an eighth-rank pill that summons Five-Colored Pill Lightning and wins the championship for the Cao Clan. 117 126

Medicine Canon

By the Medicine Canon, Cao Ying’s peak Heavenly Realm soul, ninth-grade alchemy, and initial six-star Dou Sheng cultivation make her one of the leading alchemists present. Yao Xumian openly identifies her as a likely contender for the title of the continent’s foremost alchemist, and Cao Ying joins the final top-tier alchemy confrontation against Shennong Elder, Hun Xuzi, and the other elite participants. 241 242 244 245

Trivia

• Cao Ying is the first girl to follow Lei Qi. 39
• At thirteen, she is both a three-star Da Dou Shi and a fourth-tier alchemist. 12
• Lei Qi recalls that she was accepted by the Pill Tower as a core disciple at fifteen in the original timeline he knows. 11
• In Lei Qi’s original-timeline knowledge, Cao Ying would become the Cao Clan’s youngest seventh-grade alchemist at twenty and refine eighth-rank pills with Three-Colored Pill Lightning by twenty-two; under Lei Qi’s support, she surpasses those milestones substantially earlier. 11 68 121
• Cao Ying’s Pill Convention victory is achieved with Five-Colored Pill Lightning, with faint indications of a sixth color. 126