Ji Li

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Ji Li was long believed to be a descendant of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Saint. His family inheritance includes treasures, formation diagrams, a Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame seed flame, and records concerning Falling Phoenix Ridge. Those records tasked a descendant with slaying the demon hidden there 280 308 314.

Ji Li spends more than a decade recruiting Formation Grandmasters to open the ridge’s hidden array. At the Space Trading Assembly, he displays inherited diagrams to attract a ninth expert and meets Xiao Lin. He initially presents the expedition as a search for clues to the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix, concealing its demon-slaying purpose because he believes fewer people would agree to the danger if told outright 279 281 308.

Although his inheritance includes a Heaven Rank Cultivation Method and grants him exceptional combat strength, Ji Li later recognizes that he has largely followed the path laid down by his ancestor. Xiao Lin’s decision to create his own Heaven Rank method makes Ji Li reflect on the limits of relying on that legacy 410.

After Xiao Lin reaches Dou Sheng, Ji Li remains determined to pursue his own advancement. At Eighth-Transformation Dou Venerable, he declares that he will likewise skip the Half-Saint stage and enter Dou Sheng directly, confidently declining his friend’s help 444.

Ji Li’s years of managing the Myriad Formation Spirit Palace are also connected to his lingering guilt over deceiving Xiao Lin and the Formation Grandmasters during the Falling Phoenix Ridge expedition. By the time he reaches Nine-Transformation Dou Venerable, he recognizes the need to become strong enough to help confront the Soul Hall and Hun Clan. He visits Xiao Lin at the Xiao Household to explain that he intends to seek breakthrough opportunities outside the palace, and Xiao Lin agrees to oversee the sect until Ji Li reaches Dou Sheng 525.

After a temporary stay with the Xiao Household, Ji Li remains away in pursuit of his breakthrough. His absence later becomes significant when the palace comes into conflict with the Heavenly Nether Sect: without either him or Xiao Lin present, its remaining leadership cannot match the opposing sect’s Half-Saint 526 574.

Ji Li’s search eventually takes him across every continent, but his travels on land yield little. He then ventures into the unexplored seas, where he discovers the submerged tomb of a high-star Dou Sheng. The tomb had been shattered during an ancient battle and sunk to the seabed, remaining undiscovered until his arrival. After repeatedly narrowly escaping death during its trials, Ji Li obtains an inheritance that brings him directly into Dou Sheng and onward to Early-Stage Three-Star Dou Sheng. His underwater expedition accounts for his years without contacting Xiao Lin or his other friends 798 800.

He returns to the Myriad Formation Spirit Palace without advance notice, hoping to surprise his companions with his progress. Instead, Ling Miao, who joined the palace during his absence, mistakes his sudden arrival for an intrusion and attacks him. Neither initially recognizes the other, but their shared effort to protect the hall from their clash leads Ji Li to question whether she is truly an enemy 798 799.

Xiao Lin resolves the misunderstanding by taking them into the Realm of Formations and explaining their identities. Ji Li learns that the Hun Clan destroyed the Ling Clan and that Xiao Lin subsequently brought Ling Miao into the palace. Ling Miao apologizes for attacking him, while Ji Li acknowledges that his unannounced entrance contributed to the incident. His satisfaction with his own breakthrough gives way to discouragement when he learns that Xiao Lin has already reached Late Five-Star Dou Sheng 799.

After his return, Ji Li and Ling Miao offer to handle Xiao Lin’s remaining affairs so he can concentrate on studying the Emperor Array imprisoning Zhukun. Ji Li subsequently keeps Xiao Lin informed of developments in the Central Plains and the palace while his friend continues those studies 801 864.

When Xiao Lin gathers three sets of ingredients for the Life Creation Pill, Ji Li asks who will refine it, exposing an overlooked requirement in his friend’s preparations. After Ling Miao suggests seeking an independent alchemist and Xiao Lin chooses Old Man Shennong, Ji Li warns that the elusive alchemist will be difficult to locate. Xiao Lin nevertheless knows his place of seclusion and leaves palace affairs to Ji Li and Ling Miao while departing for the Shennong Mountain Range 849.

Ji Li later watches Zhukun’s return alongside the palace’s senior members and praises Xiao Lin for freeing him. He is among the few people in the palace who know Xiao Lin’s role in the rescue. During the ensuing discussion of the Hun Clan, Ji Li proposes exposing its scheme so that other factions can unite against it, an approach Xiao Lin supports 914.

As Xiao Lin prepares to investigate the ancient Myriad Formation Spirit Palace’s former site, Ji Li notices his concern and asks about it. Xiao Lin explains the ancient sect’s existence, his inheritance, and his acceptance of a surviving senior’s soul as his teacher. Ji Li becomes alarmed when he realizes that whatever destroyed the ancient sect might still remain at its former site 963.

Ji Li offers to wait until he is stronger and accompany Xiao Lin, but Xiao Lin insists on going alone so that Ji Li can lead the palace if anything happens to him. Ji Li reluctantly accepts his decision and urges him to return alive 964.

Ji Li subsequently witnesses Xiao Lin deploy a formation in an instant and confirms to the Eight Elders that it is powerful enough to threaten him. After explaining that Spirit Seals make such deployment possible, Xiao Lin announces his intention to teach Ji Li and the Eight Elders to condense them and become Spirit Array Masters. Ji Li connects this explanation of Xiao Lin’s inheritance to their earlier conversation about the ancient palace 966.

While Xiao Lin is away, the six Emperor Clans visit the palace to probe its knowledge of Spirit Array Masters and the disturbance in the Devouring Abyss. Ji Li instructs the leadership to feign ignorance and reveals that he has reached Mid-Four-Star Dou Sheng, intimidating the visitors. When Xiao Lin returns after a two-year absence, Ji Li welcomes him but also complains that he has borne the other leaders’ blame for concealing the expedition 1045 1111.

Later, Soul Hall attacks on the palace’s vassals force Ji Li to dispatch most of its fighters. He and Ling Miao suspect that the attacks are intended to draw away their defenders so a Hun Clan expert can target the injured Xiao Lin during his seclusion; Ji Li hesitates over whether to interrupt him 1228.

Before the Demonic Flame Space opens, Xiao Lin questions Ji Li about the apparent contradiction between his supposed ancestry and the Purifying Demonic Lotus Saint’s statement that he had no children or disciples. Ji Li confirms that he is not the saint’s descendant. His actual ancestor, Ji Xuan, was the saint’s friend and received the seed flame, Nightmare Sky Mist, and other treasures as payment for helping fulfill a contingency plan. Ji Xuan’s family was entrusted with releasing fragments of the complete Purifying Lotus Demon Flame Map over time so that a person able to gather them could be recognized as fated to subdue the flame 1358 1359 1408.

Ji Li enters the Demonic Flame Space and discovers that the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame has trapped him in an illusion. After escaping it with Nightmare Sky Mist, he temporarily cooperates with the flame and disguises himself as it. He delays Xiao Yan’s group without intending to harm them, hoping to give the flame time to eliminate Hun Clan members. He eventually slips away, leaving his identity unknown to the group 1376 1383 1385 1392.

After returning to the palace, Ji Li recognizes Xuan Ting as the Nine Profound Golden Lightning and reports on the events in the Demonic Flame Space. He later enters seclusion to develop Nightmare Sky Mist 1413.

When Xiao Lin remains immersed in a breakthrough as an Emperor Clan gathering approaches, Ji Li leads the palace delegation toward the Gu Clan. He leaves Bodhi to guard the sect and asks him to tell Xiao Lin to follow if he emerges in time 1575.

Appearance

Ji Li is introduced as a strikingly beautiful, feminine-looking young man dressed in white 278.

• His initial appearance includes phoenix eyes, long and narrow brows, thin lips, fair skin, and long black hair worn loosely over his shoulders 278.
• His flamboyant bearing and confident smile earn Xiao Lin’s private comparison to a “flashy peacock” 278.
• His youthful appearance does not indicate his actual age. He is approximately Xiao Lin’s age and maintains a young man’s appearance through the relationship between a powerful cultivator’s outward form and mental age 446.
• His appearance again surprises Xiao Yan and other members of the Xiao Household when Xiao Lin addresses him as “Old Ji.” Yao Lao explains that his youthful looks conceal an age comparable to Xiao Lin’s 524.
• His distinctive beauty contributes to Princess Yao Ye’s suspicion that he and Xiao Li are foreign spies, since she believes his appearance is unfamiliar within the Jia Ma Empire 527.
• Upon emerging from the sea after his Dou Sheng breakthrough, he wears blue robes and appears to be in his early twenties. He is described as having peach-blossom eyes and beauty surpassing that of a woman 798.

Personality

Ji Li is showy, playful, and openly competitive, though he privately admits that his early claim to be stronger than Xiao Lin was mostly boasting. He forms a friendship with Xiao Lin, offers him help at the trading assembly, and warns him against exposing the rare ability to manufacture high-tier Formation Disks 279 282 285 286.

His methods can be deceptive. He engineers a confrontation with the Gao Brothers partly to test Xiao Lin, then gives him Gao Hai’s Storage Ring to make amends. At Falling Phoenix Ridge, Ji Li accepts the Grandmasters’ anger when he admits why he brought them there. Despite the deception, he is prepared to risk his own life against the demon 293 308.

His rivalry with Xiao Lin remains affectionate rather than hostile. Ji Li shares a lead on the Three Thousand Burning Flame despite having once considered pursuing it himself. As Second Palace Master, he complains about administrative work but manages the palace diligently 363 364 384.

Ji Li’s pride also takes the form of self-reliance: he refuses assistance with his planned Saint-realm breakthrough, and Xiao Lin respects his decision 444. His frustration with Xiao Lin’s hands-off leadership persists, leading him to joke that the Eight Elders would support a “rebellion” if he chose to replace the absent Palace Master 478.

His complaints conceal a strong attachment to the palace and a sense of responsibility toward his companions. He takes satisfaction in its growth, comparing the experience to raising a child, while his continued administrative dedication also reflects his desire to atone for his past deception 362 525.

Ji Li readily joins Xiao Lin’s playful schemes. When Xiao Lin proposes marrying Xiao Li to Yao Ye, Ji Li frames their accidental encounters as fate and enthusiastically volunteers to negotiate the engagement. He and Xiao Lin settle the arrangement despite Xiao Li’s hesitant objections 530.

His adventurousness extends beyond the Falling Phoenix Ridge expedition. When his continental travels fail to provide a breakthrough opportunity, he willingly explores the mysterious oceans and endures repeated brushes with death to obtain an underwater inheritance. After succeeding, his competitive and mischievous nature remains unchanged: he returns without warning because he wants to surprise Xiao Lin and believes he has finally caught up with him 798 800.

Although disappointed to discover that Xiao Lin remains well ahead of him, Ji Li can acknowledge his own responsibility for a misunderstanding. When Ling Miao apologizes for attacking him, he admits that his surprise entrance helped cause their confrontation 799.

Although willing to help with Xiao Lin’s schemes, Ji Li also openly mocks his friend’s treatment of Xiao Yan. When Xiao Lin claims that the hardships arranged for his grandson are beneficial training, Ji Li interrupts him and dismisses the explanation as an excuse for his desire to set the boy up 864.

Ji Li retains ambitions beyond his existing Dou Sheng cultivation. Witnessing Zhukun’s Emperor Soul and Late-Stage Nine-Star strength leaves him awed and wondering whether the Purifying Demonic Lotus Saint once stood at the same height. He likewise aspires to reach the highest level attainable on the present Dou Qi Continent 914.

His willingness to misdirect others extends to his own identity: when Xiao Lin questions his supposed descent from the saint, Ji Li cheekily asks whether he ever claimed it himself. He says that he regards the saint with respect as a powerful expert, rather than as an ancestor to whom he owes a personal debt 1358.

Abilities & Skills

Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame seed flame

Ji Li’s inherited derivative flame has absorbed the Fire Cloud Water Flame and Wind Fury Dragon Flame. Its purification power restrains the Dark Demon King’s Demonic Qi 313 314.

• Uses the flame in close combat alongside Xiao Lin 314.
• Devouring the Wind Fury Dragon Flame contributes to his three-year cultivation advance 305 313.
• The strengthened child flame rivals a top-ten Heavenly Flame, though it is not the true Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame 314.
• Seeks other Heavenly Flames whose origins could further strengthen the seed flame. He had considered the Three Thousand Burning Flame but initially feared that its stronger origin might devour his own flame instead 363 364.
• Cannot evolve into a second true Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame merely by consuming more Heavenly Flames, because the top three Heavenly Flames are unique 314.
• The saint completely separated the seed flame from the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame, and generations of the Ji Clan nurtured it. Its presence helps Ji Li recognize that he is trapped in an illusion 1378.
• Uses the child flame’s purification ability to dissipate Xiao Yan’s Five Wheel Leaving Fire Art and Gu Nanhai’s Great Annihilation Finger while disguised as the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame 1385.

Fire-element Dou Techniques

• Uses Fiery Rain Shooting Stars during the fight with the Dark Demon King 313.
• Destroys Gao Hai’s body and soul with a fire-element attack after Gao Hai falls into a helpless stupor 293.

Concealed techniques and inherited trump card

• A strange white mist appears before Gao Hai becomes unable to resist Ji Li; Xiao Lin suspects a hidden technique but does not identify its workings 293.
• Xiao Lin later connects the white mist and Ji Li’s technique to a legendary figure, forming his suspicion about Ji Li’s ancestry before their reunion 294.
• Summons a one-use phantom of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Saint. Its strike destroys half of the Dark Demon King’s body, buying Xiao Lin time, but the demon regenerates 317.

Nightmare Sky Mist

Ji Li possesses Nightmare Sky Mist, the signature Dou Technique of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Saint. It creates illusions and can be adapted into a Mortal World Heart Refinement trial to test a person’s character and resolve 453.

• His mastery is less powerful than that of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Saint or the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame, but the technique is described as capable of readily handling opponents at his own cultivation level 453.
• Uses its Mortal World Heart Refinement trial to test Tian Huangzi. Although Tian Huangzi takes some time to complete it, Ji Li confirms that he passes and expresses admiration for the result 453.
• Inherits the technique through his family after the saint gives it to Ji Xuan as payment 1358 1408.
• Uses Nightmare Sky Mist to escape an illusion created by the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame, despite acknowledging that his mastery is below the flame’s 1376 1377.
• Strengthens the flame’s illusion and can observe events within it because part of his power has been incorporated into it. Xuan Ting later breaks through the illusion by brute force 1381 1388.
• Enters seclusion to further develop the technique after returning to the palace 1413.

Formation studies and leadership

Ji Li is initially a layman in formations despite possessing his ancestor’s diagrams. After becoming Second Palace Master, he begins studying the discipline, though he finds it difficult to sit still and learn. He also proves capable of administering the growing palace during Xiao Lin’s seclusion 280 327 328 362 384.

He continues handling palace affairs alongside the Eight Elders during Xiao Lin’s absences. When Xiao Ding disappears, Ji Li has palace disciples investigate and provides Xiao Lin with the location of his grandson’s last known appearance 438 478.

Upon leaving to seek a direct Dou Sheng breakthrough, Ji Li personally explains his plans to Xiao Lin and secures his agreement to supervise the palace in his absence 525.

After returning as a Dou Sheng, Ji Li joins Ling Miao in taking responsibility for Xiao Lin’s other affairs so that he can devote himself to opening a breach in Zhukun’s Emperor Array. He advises Xiao Lin to prioritize freeing Zhukun rather than the inheritance within the Ancient Emperor’s Cave 801.

Xiao Lin again entrusts palace affairs to Ji Li and Ling Miao when he leaves to seek Old Man Shennong’s help refining the Life Creation Pill 849.

He also maintains communication with Xiao Lin during the latter’s formation studies, reporting on Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran’s arrival in the Central Plains, rumors of an auction involving the Tou She Ancient God Jade, Qing Lin’s advancement, and the arrival of Xiao Yi Xian 864.

His continued studies eventually establish that he possesses considerable talent in formations. His motivation is to become a qualified Second Palace Master rather than remain a leader unfamiliar with the sect’s principal discipline 966.

After witnessing Xiao Lin’s instantaneous deployment of a powerful formation, Ji Li senses Spirit Seals returning to Xiao Lin’s body. Xiao Lin explains their role in forming arrays with a single thought and selects Ji Li and the Eight Elders for instruction in condensing them. This is an announced plan to train them as Spirit Array Masters, rather than confirmation that Ji Li has already mastered Spirit Seals or instantaneous formation deployment 966.

Ji Li directs the palace’s response to attacks on its vassals and later leads its delegation toward the Gu Clan, arranging for Bodhi to remain behind and guard the sect 1228 1575.

Knowledge of rare constitutions

Ji Li recognizes Qing Lin’s Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils and recalls their rare occurrence among the offspring of humans and the Snake-People Tribe. He explains that they allow their possessor to control most snake-type magical beasts and absorb and refine them to increase her own cultivation. Together with Zuo He, he identifies Qing Lin as a potential future Dou Sheng if properly trained 438.

He later informs Xiao Lin that the talented girl brought back by Baili Qing and Qing Lin possesses the Woeful Poison Body, identifying her by name as Xiao Yi Xian 864.

Spatial manipulation

• Opens a Spatial Passage to retrieve Tian Huangzi from the Realm of Formations during the palace’s core disciple ranking tournament 451.
• Uses spatial travel to return from the sea to the Myriad Formation Spirit Palace after reaching Three-Star Dou Sheng. His knowledge of the palace’s entry method allows him to bypass its restrictions and emerge directly inside its core hall 798.
• Cooperates with Ling Miao in using spatial power to contain the shock waves of their clash and prevent damage to the hall 798.

Combat strength and perception

• His inherited methods grant combat strength substantially beyond his cultivation level. At Five-Turn Dou Venerable, he is described as potentially able to withstand even a Nine-Transformation Dou Venerable when using all his means 325 410.
• Detects Yao Lao’s concealed presence within Xiao Yan’s Storage Ring during his visit to the Xiao Household. He acknowledges the soul discreetly without revealing it to the assembled family members 524.
• Upon returning as an Early-Stage Three-Star Dou Sheng, immediately recognizes that Ling Miao’s incoming attack carries Dou Sheng-level power and judges her cultivation to be below his own. He blocks her glowing palm strike with a punch 798.
• Recognizes that Xiao Lin’s instantly deployed formation poses a threat to him despite his Three-Star Dou Sheng cultivation, and confirms its instantaneous deployment to the initially skeptical Eight Elders 966.
• At Early-Stage Five-Star Dou Sheng, holds off Xiao Yan and six other Dou Shengs while avoiding lethal attacks. He retreats when Zi Yan is free to confront him, judging that he cannot withstand her for long 1385 1387 1391 1392.

Negotiation and political discretion

• Represents Xiao Li as a senior from his sect when proposing a marriage alliance with the Jia Ma Royal House. This allows him to explain Xiao Li’s rapid cultivation growth through sect support while keeping Xiao Lin’s true strength and the palace’s identity concealed 530.
• Secures the engagement by presenting an Earth Tier Cultivation Method as a betrothal gift and having Xiao Li demonstrate his Peak Dou Ling cultivation 530 573.
• Proposes publicly exposing the Hun Clan’s scheme to encourage other factions to unite against it after Zhukun’s return. Xiao Lin agrees with the proposal 914.
• Anticipates the six Emperor Clans’ interest in Xiao Lin and the Devouring Abyss, instructs the palace leadership to conceal its knowledge, and uses his cultivation as a show of force. He also thanks Lei Donglai for the Lei Clan’s goodwill 1045 1048.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Formation diagrams — inherited from his ancestor and displayed to recruit Formation Grandmasters; he gives the collection to Xiao Lin after Xiao Lin accepts the expedition 280 281.
• Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame map fragment — traded for the Wind Fury Dragon Flame at the Space Trading Assembly. Ji Li later explains that his family released fragments of the complete map over time to find a person fated to subdue the flame 290 1358.
• Voice Transmission Stone — given to Xiao Lin so Ji Li can notify him when the expedition is ready. Ji Li describes it as something he tinkered with himself 281.
• Long-distance communication device — previously given to Xiao Lin, who uses it to notify Ji Li of the Ye Family’s visit to the palace 370. Ji Li continues communicating with Xiao Lin through a Communication Stone after returning from his breakthrough journey 798 864 866.
• Heaven Rank Cultivation Method — part of his inherited legacy; its inherited nature contrasts with Xiao Lin’s effort to develop his own method 410.
• Earth Sword and Infinite Purgatory scrolls — two intermediate Heaven Rank earth-attribute Dou Techniques found for Xiao Lin and handed over by Ji Li. Xiao Lin renames Earth Sword to Cliffside Sword; Infinite Purgatory is a domain technique for manipulating gravity 444.
• Earth Tier Cultivation Method betrothal gift — presented to the Jia Ma Royal House on Xiao Li’s behalf to secure his engagement to Princess Yao Ye 530 573.
• Underwater high-star Dou Sheng inheritance — obtained after surviving the trials of a tomb that sank beneath the sea following an ancient battle. Its opportunity enables his breakthrough into Dou Sheng and advancement to Early-Stage Three-Star Dou Sheng 798 800.
• Ninth-grade Pills — left by Xiao Lin before his departure and used to help Ji Li advance to Mid-Four-Star Dou Sheng 1045.

Relationships

• Xiao Lin — friend, rival, and fellow combatant. They meet at the Space Trading Assembly, survive the Gao Brothers’ attack, and fight the Dark Demon King together 278 293 314. Ji Li later gives Xiao Lin intelligence that helps him pursue the Three Thousand Burning Flame, manages the palace while he is away, and accepts responsibility for training his grandson Xiao Ding 363 364 384 410. He also delivers two Heaven Rank techniques to Xiao Lin and remains one of the close companions selected to learn his concealed identity 444 446. Xiao Lin later entrusts him and the other senior leaders with the truth behind his feigned grave injuries and the intended deception of the Soul Hall 498. Ji Li visits his homeland out of curiosity about the small household that produced such a powerful cultivator. Xiao Lin welcomes him as an old friend, agrees to oversee the palace during his breakthrough journey, and works with him to arrange Xiao Li’s engagement 524 525 526 530. During Ji Li’s absence, Xiao Lin also assumes his identity as Second Palace Master while protecting Feng Qing’er from the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan; the resulting confrontation is Xiao Lin’s action, not Ji Li’s 690. Ji Li later returns hoping that his Three-Star Dou Sheng cultivation will surprise Xiao Lin, unaware that his friend is already attempting to reach Six-Star Dou Sheng 798. Learning that Xiao Lin has reached Late Five-Star Dou Sheng leaves him disheartened about their continuing cultivation gap 799. He subsequently supports Xiao Lin’s work on Zhukun’s imprisonment, supplies updates from the palace, and continues teasing him about his treatment of Xiao Yan 801 864. Ji Li is explicitly described as Xiao Lin’s best friend after the awakening of his Past-Life Wisdom, in contrast to Nalan Jie’s position as his best friend beforehand. Their comparable cultivation talent and shared level of experience allow Xiao Lin to discuss matters with Ji Li that he cannot readily share with Nalan Jie 963. Xiao Lin confides the ancient palace’s origins and his inherited connection to it, then later includes Ji Li among those he intends to teach Spirit Seal condensation 963 966. Ji Li offers to accompany Xiao Lin to the ancient ruins, but stays behind at his request to protect the palace 964. Their friendship is unaffected when Ji Li clarifies that he is not the Purifying Demonic Lotus Saint’s descendant 1358 1359.
• Ji Xuan — Ji Li’s ancestor and a friend of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Saint. The saint entrusted him with the complete flame map and paid him with the seed flame, Nightmare Sky Mist, and other treasures. The saint’s remnant soul later recognizes that Ji Xuan’s descendants honored their agreement 1358 1408.
• Purifying Demonic Lotus Saint — the powerful expert whose legacy Ji Li inherits through Ji Xuan, rather than through blood or discipleship. Xiao Lin and the Formation Grandmasters initially mistake Ji Li for the saint’s descendant because of his possessions and techniques 313 314 1358 1359. The saint’s remnant soul later considers Ji Li half a disciple in recognition of his use of the child flame and Nightmare Sky Mist 1408.
• Eight Formation Grandmasters — experts Ji Li recruits to open Falling Phoenix Ridge. They condemn his deception but choose to support the demon-slaying mission; they later serve as the palace’s Eight Elders 304 308 309 327. Ji Li’s guilt over endangering these companions contributes to his long dedication to palace administration 525. He later confirms Xiao Lin’s instantaneous formation deployment to them, and all are selected together for planned instruction in Spirit Seal condensation 966.
• Xiao Ding — Xiao Lin’s grandson, entrusted to Ji Li for training at the Myriad Formation Spirit Palace 410. When Xiao Ding disappears, Ji Li arranges an investigation and informs Xiao Lin of his last known location near Sound Valley 478. Ji Li initially wants him to guide his visit to the Xiao Household, but Xiao Ding’s seclusion to attempt a Dou Huang breakthrough prevents him from accompanying the trip 524.
• Zuo He — fellow palace leader with whom Ji Li discusses sect matters during Xiao Lin’s absence. They jointly recognize Qing Lin’s rare eyes and reassure her when their eager attention frightens her 438.
• Qing Lin — new arrival whose Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils Ji Li recognizes. Her potential excites him and the other palace leaders, who view her as a future disciple capable of competing with elite clan prodigies 438 451. She later travels to the Northwest Continent with Ji Li, Xiao Li, and Baili Qing before separating from the men to train in the Heavenly Serpent Empire under Baili Qing’s protection 525 526. After his own return, Ji Li reports that Qing Lin has reached Dou Venerable in less than ten years and has returned with Baili Qing and Xiao Yi Xian 864.
• Tian Huangzi — newly hatched Ancient Heavenly Phoenix whose boastful personality reminds Xiao Lin of Ji Li. Xiao Lin privately considers making Ji Li help raise him, though Ji Li suspects he is being plotted against 330. Ji Li later retrieves him from the Realm of Formations and confirms that he has passed the Mortal World Heart Refinement trial of Nightmare Sky Mist 451 453. Tian Huangzi’s teasing manner and fondness for treating beauties gently are subsequently compared to Ji Li’s “true teachings” 455.
• Xiao Li — palace junior and Xiao Lin’s grandson, whom Ji Li brings along as a guide to the Xiao Household when Xiao Ding is unavailable. The journey allows Xiao Li to reunite with his family after three years away 524. Ji Li later supports Xiao Lin’s matchmaking and personally represents Xiao Li in negotiations that secure his engagement to Yao Ye 530.
• Xiao Yan — Xiao Lin’s grandson, whom Ji Li encounters during his visit to the Xiao Household. Xiao Yan is intrigued by his youthful appearance, uncertain strength, and informal friendship with his grandfather 524. Ji Li later informs Xiao Lin of Xiao Yan’s arrival in the Central Plains and mocks his friend for arranging hardships for his own grandson 864. In the Demonic Flame Space, Ji Li disguises himself and stalls Xiao Yan’s group without intending to harm them; Xiao Yan does not discover his identity before he escapes 1385 1392.
• Yao Lao — concealed soul whom Ji Li detects inside Xiao Yan’s Storage Ring. After briefly becoming alarmed, Yao Lao recognizes Ji Li as Xiao Lin’s friend, and the two exchange discreet acknowledgments 524.
• Yao Ye and the Jia Ma Royal House — Yao Ye initially suspects Ji Li and Xiao Li of being foreign spies, prompting a visit to verify their identities 527. The misunderstanding originates when Ji Li’s spatial exit places them near her military camp and is cleared up during her visit to the Xiao Household 528 529. Ji Li later approaches the royal house as Xiao Li’s sect senior and secures the princess’s engagement to him through a cultivation-method gift and Xiao Li’s demonstrated talent 530.
• Ling Miao — Grand Elder who joins the palace during Ji Li’s long absence. Because neither knows the other, she attacks him as an intruder when he unexpectedly returns, and they jointly contain the shock waves to protect the hall 798 799. After Xiao Lin explains their identities, she apologizes and Ji Li accepts that his unannounced arrival contributed to the misunderstanding 799. They later work together to relieve Xiao Lin of other responsibilities while he studies the Emperor Array trapping Zhukun 801. Xiao Lin also leaves the palace under their joint supervision when seeking Old Man Shennong 849. They later suspect that Soul Hall attacks on the palace’s vassals are a diversion aimed at exposing Xiao Lin 1228.
• Xiao Yi Xian — guest brought to the palace by Baili Qing and Qing Lin. Ji Li reports her Woeful Poison Body and identity to Xiao Lin, prompting his immediate return. He then directs Xiao Lin to her accommodation at Thousand Shadow Pavilion and questions how the two know each other 864 866.
• Zhukun — powerful Ancient Void Dragon whose release Ji Li encourages Xiao Lin to prioritize 801. Ji Li later witnesses his return, knows Xiao Lin was responsible for freeing him, and is deeply impressed by his Emperor Soul and Late-Stage Nine-Star strength 914.
• Purifying Lotus Demon Flame — the source of Ji Li’s inherited child flame and a temporary ally in the Demonic Flame Space. Ji Li escapes its illusion, then helps delay Xiao Yan’s group while the flame attacks Hun Clan members 1376 1378 1383 1385.
• Xuan Ting — the Nine Profound Golden Lightning, whom Ji Li encounters in the Demonic Flame Space. Ji Li recognizes his strength despite being annoyed that his intervention disrupts the plan to eliminate Hun Clan members; he later recognizes Xuan Ting when Xiao Lin brings him to the palace 1388 1413.
• Bodhi — palace ally whom Ji Li leaves to guard the sect and inform Xiao Lin of the delegation’s departure for the Emperor Clan gathering 1575.

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Space Trading Assembly: Ji Li recruits Xiao Lin as the ninth Formation Grandmaster, travels with him through the assembly, and obtains the Wind Fury Dragon Flame 281 282 290.
• Falling Phoenix Ridge: He reunites the nine Grandmasters three years later. After they break the hidden array, he reveals that his true aim is to fulfill his ancestor’s instruction to slay the demon inside 304 306 308.
• Demon-slaying battle: Ji Li’s purification flame helps counter the Dark Demon King. Badly injured while buying Xiao Lin time, he uses the Saint’s phantom and later bluffs with a gold coin to keep the demon at bay until Xiao Lin activates the Myriad Lightning Demon-Slaying Formation 313 317 318.
• Myriad Formation Spirit Palace: Following the expedition, Ji Li becomes Second Palace Master. Though initially a layman in formations, he begins studying them and jokes about surpassing Xiao Lin to take the leading position 325 327 328. He helps guide the palace’s development and takes charge of its affairs during Xiao Lin’s seclusion, keeping its growth orderly despite the influx of recruits after the Ye Family joins 362 384.
• Three Thousand Burning Flame: Ji Li tells Xiao Lin that the Pill Region’s Five Great Families may offer a way to approach Danta’s flame. He passes on the lead despite having investigated the opportunity for himself; Xiao Lin subsequently pursues a deal with the families 363 364. His information is incomplete, omitting that obtaining access costs a family its permanent Danta elder seat, which Xiao Lin discovers during the negotiations 367.
• Xiao Ding’s training: Before leaving to develop a Heaven Rank Cultivation Method, Xiao Lin places Xiao Ding under Ji Li’s care. Ji Li accepts the responsibility and resolves not to betray his friend’s trust 410.
• Qing Lin’s arrival: Ji Li and Zuo He are startled by Xiao Lin’s unexpected return with Xiao Li, Xue Lan, and Qing Lin. Their irritation over his neglect of palace affairs gives way to excitement after they identify Qing Lin’s exceptional potential 438.
• Preparation for Dou Sheng: Ji Li learns that Xiao Lin has already entered Dou Sheng, declares his intention to bypass Half-Saint himself, and refuses assistance. He then gives Xiao Lin the earth-attribute Heaven Rank techniques Earth Sword and Infinite Purgatory 444.
• Core disciple ranking tournament: With Lei Guang and Lei Ya dominating the palace’s disciples, Ji Li and the other leaders agree to release Tian Huangzi rather than wait for Qing Lin to mature. Ji Li retrieves him and confirms that he has passed Nightmare Sky Mist’s Mortal World Heart Refinement trial 451 453.
• Xiao Ding’s disappearance: Ji Li has disciples investigate Xiao Ding’s disappearance and shows Xiao Lin his last known location on a Dou Qi map of the Central Plains. Xiao Lin departs to pursue the lead, leaving Ji Li once again grumbling about his friend’s hurried visits and absence from palace administration 478.
• Soul Hall deception: During the palace’s alliance discussions with Sound Valley, Xiao Lin explains to Ji Li and his other close companions why he has pretended to suffer grave injuries. Ji Li and the others recognize the danger this deception poses to the Soul Hall’s Great Heavenly Venerate and Second Heavenly Venerate; the truth remains restricted to senior leadership to preserve the performance 498.
• Visit to the Xiao Household: Ji Li brings Xiao Li to Wutan City as his guide, curious about Xiao Lin’s origins and eager to tease him for leaving palace work to others. Now a Nine-Transformation Dou Venerable, he discreetly detects Yao Lao and discusses his breakthrough plans with Xiao Lin in private. He also reports that Baili Qing and Qing Lin have separated from their party to travel toward the Heavenly Serpent Empire 524 525.
• Journey toward Dou Sheng: Ji Li explains that remaining in the palace would leave him relying on decades of slow cultivation. Xiao Lin agrees to oversee the sect while he seeks opportunities for a direct Saint-realm breakthrough, and Ji Li temporarily stays with the Xiao Household before his intended travels across the continents 525 526.
• Xiao Li’s royal engagement: After Yao Ye’s investigation of Ji Li and Xiao Li as suspected spies, Ji Li joins Xiao Lin in promoting a marriage between Xiao Li and the princess. Acting as a sect senior, he accompanies Xiao Li to the imperial capital and presents an Earth Tier Cultivation Method, securing the royal house’s agreement without exposing Xiao Lin’s true power 527 530.
• Heavenly Nether Sect conflict: Ji Li is still away seeking a Dou Sheng breakthrough when conflict erupts between the Myriad Formation Spirit Palace and the Heavenly Nether Sect. With the remaining elders unable to match the enemy’s Half-Saint, Zuo He contacts Xiao Lin, forcing him to return to Central Plains affairs 574.
• Identity used against the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan: Xiao Lin poses as Second Palace Master Ji Li while refusing to surrender Feng Qing’er to Yu Huang’s group. The confrontation and the attack that sends the departing clan members flying are performed by Xiao Lin under Ji Li’s identity 690.
• Underwater inheritance and Dou Sheng breakthrough: After unsuccessful travels across the continents, Ji Li explores the sea and discovers a submerged high-star Dou Sheng’s tomb. Repeatedly surviving its deadly trials, he obtains an inheritance that advances him directly into Dou Sheng and ultimately to Early-Stage Three-Star Dou Sheng 798 800.
• Return to the palace: Ji Li returns without using his Communication Stone to announce his arrival, intending to surprise Xiao Lin and his friends. Ling Miao mistakes him for an intruder and attacks; he blocks her strike, and both contain the resulting shock waves to preserve the hall. Their misunderstanding arises because she joined the palace after his departure 798 799. Xiao Lin explains their identities, leading to Ling Miao’s apology and Ji Li’s acknowledgment of his own part in the incident. Ji Li then learns of the Ling Clan’s destruction and Xiao Lin’s Late Five-Star Dou Sheng cultivation, leaving him discouraged that he still has not caught up 799.
• Zhukun’s rescue preparations: Ji Li urges Xiao Lin to focus on freeing Zhukun rather than obtaining the Ancient Emperor’s Cave inheritance. After Xiao Lin explains that he expects to breach the Emperor Array within five years, Ji Li and Ling Miao tell him to leave other matters to them and concentrate on his formation studies 801.
• Life Creation Pill preparations: Ji Li’s question about who will refine the pill makes Xiao Lin realize that he has not yet secured an alchemist. He warns that Old Man Shennong will be difficult to find, but Xiao Lin knows his location and leaves palace affairs to Ji Li and Ling Miao while seeking him out 849.
• Central Plains updates and Xiao Yi Xian’s arrival: Ji Li informs Xiao Lin of Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran’s arrival, the unrest surrounding an alleged Tou She Ancient God Jade auction, and Qing Lin’s rapid advancement to Dou Venerable. His report that Baili Qing and Qing Lin have returned with Xiao Yi Xian, a girl possessing the Woeful Poison Body, prompts Xiao Lin to return immediately. Ji Li directs him to Thousand Shadow Pavilion but is left bewildered by his explanation that her arrival was not part of his arrangements 864 866.
• Zhukun’s return and opposition to the Hun Clan: Ji Li praises Xiao Lin for successfully freeing Zhukun and witnesses the Ancient Void Dragon’s overwhelming strength. When the palace’s leaders discuss the implications for the Hun Clan’s plans, Ji Li proposes exposing its scheme to unite other factions against it. Xiao Lin agrees before identifying the Stone Clan as their next focus 914.
• Ancient palace origins: Ji Li notices Xiao Lin’s unease over an intended expedition and learns that the present palace continues an ancient sect whose inheritance Xiao Lin obtained. He is alarmed by the possibility that the force responsible for destroying that sect may still remain at its former site 963. He offers to accompany Xiao Lin once stronger, but agrees to remain and lead the palace if necessary 964.
• Spirit Array Master instruction: Ji Li confirms to the Eight Elders that Xiao Lin has deployed a formation instantly and that it can threaten a Three-Star Dou Sheng. Xiao Lin explains Spirit Seals and announces that he will teach Ji Li and the Eight Elders to condense them, opening a new direction for Ji Li’s formation studies 966.
• Visit of the six Emperor Clans: With Xiao Lin absent, Ji Li deduces that the visitors are probing the palace’s knowledge of the Devouring Abyss and Spirit Array Masters. He orders the leadership to pretend ignorance and reveals his Mid-Four-Star Dou Sheng strength as a warning 1045.
• Xiao Lin’s return: After Xiao Lin’s two-year absence, Ji Li teases him as a missing person and welcomes him home. He has endured the other leaders’ blame for concealing the expedition, and Xiao Lin promises not to disappear without warning again 1111.
• Soul Hall attacks on the vassals: Ji Li sends palace fighters to aid besieged factions, but he and Ling Miao suspect that the attacks are a diversion intended to leave the injured Xiao Lin vulnerable to a Hun Clan expert. Ji Li debates whether to disturb his seclusion 1228.
• The truth of Ji Li’s inheritance: Xiao Lin questions Ji Li’s supposed descent from the Purifying Demonic Lotus Saint. Ji Li reveals that his ancestor Ji Xuan was the saint’s friend, and that the seed flame and Nightmare Sky Mist were payment for his family’s role in distributing the flame map to find a fated person 1358 1408.
• Demonic Flame Space: Ji Li escapes the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame’s illusion using Nightmare Sky Mist. Temporarily cooperating with the flame, he impersonates it and stalls Xiao Yan and his allies while hoping the flame will eliminate Hun Clan members. He purifies incoming attacks without intending to hurt Xiao Yan’s group, then escapes after Zi Yan suppresses Xiao Chen 1376 1383 1385 1391 1392.
• Xuan Ting’s arrival and seclusion: Ji Li reports the Demonic Flame Space’s events to the palace leadership and recognizes Xuan Ting as the Nine Profound Golden Lightning when Xiao Lin brings him back. Ji Li subsequently enters seclusion to develop Nightmare Sky Mist 1413.
• Emperor Clan gathering: With Xiao Lin still immersed in a breakthrough, Ji Li leads more than a hundred Dou Venerable-level and stronger experts toward the Gu Clan, planning to meet the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan and Sound Valley along the way. He leaves Bodhi to guard the palace and pass word to Xiao Lin 1575.