Xuan Zi

Biodata

Appearance

Xuan Zi is a disheveled old man with graying hair, an unkempt face, and cloudy eyes. His ordinarily unremarkable appearance can give way to an intimidating air of authority when he becomes serious 18 22 23.

• Frequently carries and eats roast chicken, sometimes leaving grease around his mouth 18 22 28.
• His eyes become noticeably sharp when confronting Wang Dong over his criticism of Shrek Academy 23.

Personality

Xuan Zi is blunt and emotionally transparent. His displeasure is readily visible, while his approval prompts direct offers of assistance. After reconciling with Wang Dong, he enthusiastically volunteers to help both him and Huo Yuhao obtain soul rings, then becomes embarrassed when they decline 27 28.

He initially responds defensively to criticism of Shrek Academy, confronting Wang Dong in public. Nevertheless, he can acknowledge fault: he later apologizes to Wang Dong for his harsh words and to Huo Yuhao for treating her poorly. Huo Yuhao regards the latter apology as motivated by her newly revealed talent rather than recognition of her earlier worth 23 27 41.

Although privately unsettled by Mu En’s decision to accept two freshmen as disciples without consultation, Xuan Zi deeply respects him and does not challenge his authority 24.

Abilities & Skills

Taotie Martial Soul

Xuan Zi possesses the Taotie martial soul and is established as a rank 98 Super Douluo 18.

• Bloodline perception: His martial soul senses the draconic bloodline aura within Wang Dong, drawing his attention during the Freshman Assessment 18.
• Consumption requirement: A flaw in his martial soul requires him to eat and drink in large quantities 18.

Soul Master Assessment

• Recognizes Wang Dong’s combat instincts and mastery of the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer, considering him a potential successor 21.
• Identifies the dead attackers near Shrek Academy as at least Soul Kings at a glance 44.
• Offers to personally escort Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao on a soul-beast hunt, citing his rank 98 cultivation; neither accepts, so the proposed expedition does not occur 28.

History

Freshman Assessment

While observing the Freshman Assessment alongside Yan Shaozhe, Xuan Zi asks about the year’s promising students. Although Yan Shaozhe favors Dai Huabin’s team, Xuan Zi specifically inquires about Wang Dong and notices his draconic aura through his Taotie martial soul 18.

Wang Dong’s performance against Xie Huanyue further impresses him. Seeing the combination of an excellent martial soul, keen combat instincts, and accomplished hammer technique, Xuan Zi considers taking Wang Dong as a disciple to inherit his mantle 21.

Confrontation over Core Disciple Status

After Huo Yuhao receives only temporary core disciple privileges, Wang Dong publicly challenges the decision and condemns Shrek Academy’s teaching system. Xuan Zi approaches him with an intimidating manner and questions whether he understands what he is saying. Wang Dong refuses to retreat and threatens to leave; Huo Yuhao declares that she will accompany him 22 23.

The confrontation ends when Mu En appears. Xuan Zi bows with the other officials, then watches as Mu En supports Wang Dong’s criticism, grants Huo Yuhao full core disciple status, and accepts both students as disciples. Xuan Zi privately wishes Mu En had consulted them, but remains silent 23 24.

Ma Xiaotao’s Evil Fire and Reconciliation

When Ma Xiaotao loses control of her evil fire and endangers Huo Yuhao, Xuan Zi and the other officials hesitate to intervene forcibly for fear of injuring Ma Xiaotao. Wang Dong acts first, and Xuan Zi witnesses his blood suppressing and purifying her flames 26.

After Wang Dong awakens from his subsequent collapse, Xuan Zi visits with Yan Shaozhe. His earlier resentment has given way to gratitude, and he apologizes for speaking too harshly. He promises assistance provided it does not violate his principles; Wang Dong immediately requests a separate dormitory room to share with Huo Yuhao 27.

Later, Xuan Zi offers to help both students obtain their next soul rings. Wang Dong cites arrangements made by his family, while Huo Yuhao claims she already has an escort. Embarrassed by the double refusal, Xuan Zi allows them to leave and reiterates that they can seek his help if necessary 28.

Recognition and Protection

On Sea God Island, Xuan Zi witnesses Huo Yuhao reveal her Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion martial soul and explain her apparent Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring as a Simulation illusion. After her twin martial souls and Ultimate Ice are recognized, he apologizes for his earlier treatment of her 41.

He is subsequently astonished by Wang Dong’s four-ring configuration, including two ten-thousand-year rings. When reminded of the dormitory request, he authorizes Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao to move in together, remarking that sufficient strength can change any rule 42.

After three Soul Kings attack the pair near Shrek Academy, Xuan Zi arrives with other officials to find the students unharmed and their attackers dead. Shocked by their victory, he promises to investigate those responsible 44.

Relationships

• Mu En — Pavilion Master and superior whom Xuan Zi deeply respects, even when privately disagreeing with his decisions 23 24.
• Wang Dong — Prospective disciple whose talent attracts his attention. Their public confrontation is followed by reconciliation, offers of help, and approval of his dormitory request 18 21 23 27 42.
• Huo Yuhao — Student to whom he apologizes after learning of her exceptional abilities. She remains unconvinced that he would have valued her without that talent 41.
• Yan Shaozhe — Fellow senior academy official who briefs him on the freshmen and accompanies him when visiting the recovering Wang Dong 18 27.

Notable Quotes

“Huo Yuhao, I had eyes but failed to see before, and I treated you poorly. I apologize.” 41

“As long as you're strong enough, any rule can be changed. You two can move in together today.” 42

Trivia

• Wang Dong associates Xuan Zi with the nickname “Supreme Leader of the Holy Spirit Cult” when doubting his reliability as an escort and criticizing his late arrival after the assassination attempt. This is Wang Dong’s derisive reference, not an established affiliation 28 44.