Zi Yan

Biodata

Power Progression

Background

Zi Yan lived at Jia Nan Academy before Qin Yu’s arrival in the Inner Academy. She repeatedly sneaked into the Medicinal Materials Vault, where her curiosity over Qin Yu’s unrestricted access led her to snatch his Yin-Yang Twin-Life Flower. She agreed to return it only if he refined sweet pills from her herbs. 133 135

Her original small human form resulted from accidentally consuming Transformation Grass, which left her unable to grow larger normally. Qin Yu’s Qilin blood later allowed her physical growth to resume. 220

Qin Yu became her “personal Alchemist” after refining flavored pills for her. Zi Yan supplied him with high-grade herbs, including ingredients associated with sixth-tier pills, while he continued to make batches of the little pills she favored. 136 138

She insisted on joining Qin Yu and Xiao Yi Xian in the Black-Corner Region. Su Qian initially refused because her magical-beast identity, high-ranked and valuable bloodline, and simple-minded nature could draw unwanted attention; he ultimately allowed the trip after Qin Yu promised to protect her. 152 153

Zi Yan later evolved, grew taller, and eventually matured physically into a young woman through repeated absorption of Qin Yu’s blood essence. Despite these changes, her mischievous temperament remained largely intact. 216 238 253 254

Before reconnecting with her clan, Zi Yan had never returned to the Ancient Void Dragons and remained unaware of her true origins. Hei Qing eventually found her in the Central Plains and identified her as the Dragon Emperor. A subsequent bloodline test on Dragon Island confirmed that she possessed the Dragon Emperor Bloodline, bringing a growing awareness of her responsibilities toward her people. 284 291 315

Appearance

Zi Yan first appears as a small, round-cheeked girl who looks about ten years old. After evolving and absorbing Qin Yu’s essence blood, she grows taller and matures into a valiant, striking young woman. 133 216 253

• Wore a purple dress and had her hair tied into two braids when first introduced. 133
• Initially had round, chubby cheeks and dangling legs when sitting atop the herb-vault shelves. 133
• Possesses purple dragon wings and can fly. 169 176
• Her later form has longer limbs, a more defined face, and a heroic, crisp bearing. 253 254
• Continues to mature physically during the year she spends apart from Qin Yu before their later reunion. 315

Personality

Zi Yan is impulsive, energetic, and relentlessly curious. She will investigate unfamiliar scents, suspicious people, hidden seals, and potential treasures with little concern for caution or planning. 153 175 272 277

Her greatest weakness is her obsession with tasty medicinal pills. Qin Yu routinely keeps her obedient by threatening to reduce her supply, a tactic that works even when she is otherwise eager to argue or cause trouble. 158 163

Although childish and often mischievous, Zi Yan is loyal to her companions. She delivers Qin Yu’s challenge letter without hesitation, seeks help when Yun Yun is threatened, and eagerly joins battles alongside Qin Yu and Xiao Yi Xian. 147 169 237

Her fondness for play often distracts her from cultivation, but she progresses quickly when she applies herself seriously. Qin Yu notices that she becomes somewhat more restrained after growing physically, although she still eagerly seeks adventures and battles. 284 288 289

During the journey toward the Central Plains, Zi Yan briefly becomes withdrawn while questioning her identity and origins. Qin Yu listens to her concerns and helps her regain perspective; she concludes that being Zi Yan and having good friends is enough without immediately resolving every question about herself. 287

Her visit to Dragon Island introduces a stronger sense of duty. Learning about the Ancient Void Dragons’ condition and confirming her imperial bloodline makes her conscious of the responsibility she bears, though the transition from a carefree girl to a leader remains gradual. 315

Abilities & Skills

Ancient Void Dragon Bloodline

Zi Yan’s true form is a magical beast with Ancient Void Dragon bloodline. Her blood carries Dragon Emperor Bloodline power, and Qin Yu gains a noticeable enhancement to his body and Dragon Fist after absorbing only a few drops. 151 153

• Has innate spatial talent associated with the Ancient Void Dragon clan. 135
• Can access treasures protected by spatial restrictions, such as the sealed items in the Black Emperor Treasury. 263
• Passes directly through the spatial barrier protecting Earth Demon Old Ghost’s treasures, retrieving its contents without breaking the seal. 250
• Her magical-beast identity and bloodline are valuable enough to attract covetous enemies. 153 237
• Is sensitive to spatial fluctuations and detects Hei Qing’s arrival through a spatial rift. 291
• Experiences a bodily sense of connection when her kin approach, recognizing a recurring pull that becomes stronger before Hei Qing finds her. 291
• Is recognized by Hei Qing as the Dragon Emperor; her imperial bloodline is subsequently confirmed through testing on Dragon Island. 291 315

Physical Strength

Zi Yan is an exceptionally powerful close-range fighter whose raw strength lets her overpower opponents and obstacles directly.

• Defeats a Blood Sect intruder with a single punch. 164
• Crushes Feng San’s chest with a punch after Qin Yu forces him to reveal himself. 168
• Defeats groups of Dou Ling opponents with simple punches. 169
• Helps fight the Amethyst Winged Lion King, earning Yun Yun’s praise for beating it until it howls in pain. 182
• Easily smashes open a heavy stone door with two punches. 250
• Defeats and plays with a giant snake in Demon Flame Valley’s treasure vault. 250
• Injures Fang Yan, a Demon Flame Valley elder, during the confrontation with Fang Yan and Xie Zhen. 236

Flight

Zi Yan manifests purple dragon wings and moves through the air at high speed.

• Can descend and land silently despite her speed. 140
• Accompanies Qin Yu and Xiao Yi Xian on aerial travel. 158
• Uses flight to pursue enemies and join Qin Yu’s fight against Lin Gui. 169

Treasure Sensitivity

Zi Yan has an innate talent for detecting treasures, medicinal materials, and unusual bloodline scents.

• Regularly gathers and hides medicinal herbs from Jia Nan Academy’s repository. 136 158
• Senses a treasure hidden within an arena. 170
• Detects dragon-blood scent and tracks its source to a flood dragon. 175
• Helps Qin Yu uncover treasures throughout the Black-Corner Region. 231
• Locates a sealed treasure site at the edge of the Black-Corner Region. 272 277

Qilin Blood Absorption

Zi Yan can absorb Qin Yu’s specially condensed Qilin blood to strengthen her foundation and promote physical growth. Her first three-drop dose is digested in roughly an hour, while later doses support further maturation and a cultivation breakthrough. 217 218 220 253

The absorbed blood remains significant enough for the Ancient Void Dragon clan to notice it during her bloodline examination. This discovery prompts the clan to request that Qin Yu visit Dragon Island. 316

Equipment / Items

• Medicinal herbs — Keeps high-grade herbs hidden in her sleeves and exchanges them for refined pills. 135 136
• Little pills — Flavored medicinal pills refined by Qin Yu; her favored food and the most effective leverage over her behavior. 136 158
• Qin Yu’s essence blood — Absorbs it to support evolution, cultivation, and physical growth. 217 238 253
• Qilin Blood Pills — Receives several from Qin Yu after attempting to obtain some through Xiao Yu. 278
• Emperor’s Extreme Pill — Supplied by Qin Yu and consumed after her Seven-Star breakthrough, raising her to Nine-Star Dou Emperor. 289
• Dragon Seal — A seal associated with Zi Yan that Qin Yu uses to judge her proximity; according to her explanation, it glows more brightly as she draws closer. 312

Relationships

• Qin Yu — Friend, protector, travel companion, and her self-proclaimed “personal Alchemist.” He supplies her pills and essence blood, while she assists him with combat, treasure hunting, and errands. She refuses to leave with Hei Qing before seeing him again, describing him as a very good friend who has cared for her and shared his food. He also supports her through doubts about her identity. After their later reunion, she remains openly affectionate and privately wishes their close companionship could continue. 136 147 153 231 287 291 315
• Xiao Yi Xian — Older-sister-like companion. Zi Yan is affectionate toward her, travels with her, and is often disciplined by her when Qin Yu is too indulgent. 152 158 231
• Yun Yun — Treats Yun Yun as an elder-sister figure and is deeply attached to her gentleness and tolerance; Zi Yan wants to remain her little sister for life. Yun Yun nevertheless joins Xiao Yi Xian in disciplining her after an ill-considered remark. 182 263 264
• Su Qian — Protective elder of Jia Nan Academy. He worries about her recklessness and safety, but ultimately entrusts Qin Yu with looking after her. 153
• Xiao Yu — Friend from Jia Nan Academy’s Outer Academy; Xiao Yu often takes Zi Yan’s side when she complains about Qin Yu. Zi Yan later tries to obtain Qilin Blood Pills from her because she considers her easier to persuade than Qin Yu. 221 278
• Hai Bo Dong — A companion during her Dou Emperor breakthrough period; he is stunned by how casually she discusses advancing to his realm. 182
• Hei Qing — Ancient Void Dragon clansman who locates her at Fallen God Ravine, kneels before her, and addresses her as his emperor. He agrees to wait when she refuses to depart without first seeing Qin Yu. 291
• Ancient Void Dragon clan — Her own people, with whom she reconnects on Dragon Island. Confirmation of her Dragon Emperor Bloodline makes her increasingly conscious of her leadership responsibilities. She remains protective of Qin Yu and delays the clan’s requested meeting rather than risk others causing him trouble. 315 316
• Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor — Becomes the object of her persistent curiosity after the Sky Serpent Mansion’s departure. Her desire to play with him intimidates him and contributes to his decision to seek a place among Qing Lin and the Misty Cloud Sect’s allies. 282

Story Role / Major Arcs

Meeting Qin Yu

Zi Yan’s attempt to take the Yin-Yang Twin-Life Flower begins her association with Qin Yu. Their negotiation establishes the recurring exchange of herbs for sweet pills. 133 135

Black-Corner Region Expedition

After pestering Su Qian for permission, Zi Yan joins Qin Yu and Xiao Yi Xian in the Law Enforcement Team’s Black-Corner Region deployment. Qin Yu uses her pill supply to restrain her tendency to cause trouble. 153 158

She assists in dealing with Blood Sect members and later accompanies the interception of Xie Liu and the arena manager. The intercepted jade box contains a seventh-tier dragon-type magic core intended for Han Feng. 164 168 171

Treasure Hunting and Combat

Zi Yan becomes an important combatant and treasure hunter during the group’s travels. She assists against Lin Gui’s men, discovers hidden treasure sites, and helps retrieve spatially sealed rewards. 169 231 263

During the subsequent collection of the Feng Alliance’s resources, Qin Yu allows her to take freely after obtaining Han Feng’s Storage Ring. The combination of fighting and acquiring treasures makes the expedition particularly satisfying for her. 269

Evolution and Growth

Zi Yan’s impending evolution forces Xiao Yi Xian to remain behind with her while Qin Yu leaves for Gemer Volcano. She later completes the evolution, repeatedly absorbs Qin Yu’s blood essence, and matures from her childlike appearance into a young woman. 182 216 238 253

Qin Yu’s blood both stabilizes her Dou Emperor foundation and enables growth beyond the small form caused by Transformation Grass. Her increasingly visible height changes become a recurring source of pride before the more dramatic maturation in Chapter 253. 218 220 239 253

Her emotional development continues during the journey east with Qin Yu. She becomes troubled by uncertainty about what she is, then gradually recovers her confidence through their conversations and her attachment to her friends. 287

Demon Flame Valley Conflict

After being discovered near Demon Flame Valley’s treasure trove, Zi Yan summons help when Xie Zhen and Fang Yan pursue Yun Yun. She participates in the battle, then returns with the group to raid the valley’s treasure vault. 237 250

Xie Zhen’s interest extends beyond the alleged theft: he recognizes the value of a sixth-tier magical beast capable of ignoring the treasury’s spatial barrier. Qin Yu and Xiao Yi Xian reassure Zi Yan afterward that they will protect her from those seeking to punish or exploit her. 237

Sealed Treasure Discovery

Zi Yan asks Qin Yu to break a sealing formation around a treasure site she discovered near the Black-Corner Region. Her find eventually leads the group to the Heavenly Demon Phoenix mummy. 272 276 277

The eighth-rank mummy provokes an intense urge in her to destroy it. Qin Yu brings it back to the Inner Academy, later burns it, and allows Zi Yan to tear it apart. He gives her most of the items recovered from it. 277

Journey to the Central Plains

While Yun Yun and Xiao Yi Xian approach the Dou Zong threshold, Zi Yan remains available to travel with Qin Yu. She catches up with him as he leaves Misty Cloud Mountain and protests that he nearly forgot to bring her. 284 286

The pair travel east to Windbreak City, where Shen Yuan arranges their passage through a Spatial Wormhole. With little entertainment available in the city or aboard the Spatial Ship, Zi Yan devotes more attention to cultivation. 287 288 289

After reaching Thousand Feather City, they obtain information about Fallen God Ravine and set out toward it. Zi Yan reaches Seven-Star Dou Emperor en route, then uses Qin Yu’s Emperor’s Extreme Pill to advance to Nine Stars. She continues accompanying him through treasure sites and toward the Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast’s territory. 289 290 291

Recognition as Dragon Emperor

At Fallen God Ravine, Qin Yu leaves temporarily to prepare a formation against the poisonous miasma. Zi Yan senses the approach of her kin, and Hei Qing emerges from a spatial rift, kneels, and identifies her as the Ancient Void Dragons’ Dragon Emperor. 291

Hei Qing asks her to return to Dragon Island, but Zi Yan refuses to go before seeing Qin Yu again. Hei Qing agrees to wait and becomes curious about the friend she describes. Qin Yu subsequently returns and encounters him beside her. 291 292

Dragon Island and Reunion with Qin Yu

Zi Yan later visits Dragon Island, where a bloodline test confirms her Dragon Emperor Bloodline. Seeing her people’s circumstances changes her outlook and begins her adjustment toward the responsibilities of leadership. 315

Before their later reunion, Qin Yu monitors the Dragon Seal she explained to him, using its brightness to estimate her distance. By the time she rejoins him, they have spent a year apart. She is immediately eager to accompany his next outings, and he takes her with him when he goes to find Cao Ying at the Pill Tower. 312 315

Zi Yan explains that the clan noticed traces of Qin Yu’s blood during her examination and wants him to visit Dragon Island. Concerned that members of the clan might give him trouble, she tells him to finish his existing business first and turns her attention to their planned trip to the Demon Puppet Sect. 316

She remains with Qin Yu during his later handling of Han Feng. After struggling to recall the former Black-Corner Region alchemist, she learns from Qin Yu about Han Feng’s connections to Yao Chen, Xiao Yan, and the Pill Tower. 323

Trivia

• Zi Yan claims she will “eat” Qin Yu if he fails to keep his promise of sweet pills. 135
• She is capable of handling the lingering heat inside Qin Yu’s medicinal cauldron with little more than discomfort. 136
• She maintained a thirty-six-day record without having her little pills deducted before running off to investigate the dragon-blood scent. 175
• After her first dose of Qin Yu’s condensed Qilin blood, she asks for more and later develops a nosebleed from its nourishing effects. 218
• Even after growing taller, Qin Yu can still restrain her easily by grabbing the back of her neck. 278
• Windbreak City’s lack of entertainment drives her to cultivate seriously, bringing her close to Seven-Star Dou Emperor in five days. 288