Fang Yizhi

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Fang Yizhi studied at the Knowing-and-Doing Institute for three years, pursuing both its scholarly Knowing branch and martial Doing branch. He placed fifth in the literary examination and among the top eight in the martial examination. Wei Zhilin selected him as a direct disciple for his steadfast character and gentlemanly conduct rather than exceptional cultivation talent 3 14.

During his early studies, Fang’s diligence earned the affection of instructor Ding Feiyong, who helped him with both schoolwork and daily life. Fang continued visiting him after Ding left teaching to become minister of the Court of State Ceremonial 19.

Fang arrived at He An’s village school during the Lesser Cold season with an institute recommendation letter. He also taught at the Enlightenment Hall in nearby White Temple Township. These assignments formed part of his teaching practicum; Knowing-branch disciples were required to spend a year teaching before graduation 3.

Appearance

• Clear eyes and a habitual smile, accompanying his warm, approachable manner 5.
• Long scholarly robes with broad sleeves, which he wears during his confrontation with Huang Daogong 20.
• A seemingly delicate bearing: He An initially regards him as looking almost too frail to withstand a breeze, making his combat ferocity startling 20.
• Military uniform after joining the Western Army Scout Corps 29.

Personality

Fang is gentle, refined, and patient. He answers students’ questions without haste and seldom loses his temper over classroom misbehavior. Within a few months, the village children become deeply attached to him. His teaching avoids rigid conventions, encouraging students to connect scholarship with their own aspirations and experiences 5.

His courtesy does not make him submissive. Wei Zhilin values his composure in danger and refusal to curry favor with the powerful; Ding Feiyong describes him as mild outwardly but rigorous in scholarship and proud at heart. Fang confronts both county constables and a much stronger cultivator when his students are threatened, yet later counsels the boys to restrain their pride and avoid impulsive conflicts 4 14 19 20 21.

Abilities & Skills

Primordial Energy Manipulation

Fang can gather Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy and use his surroundings as weapons 20.

• Turns bamboo poles into projectiles and sends water from nearby vats into an attack against Huang Daogong 20.
• Repels attacking constables, bending an iron ruler, breaking a Water-and-Fire Staff, and injuring two bailiffs 4.
• Cannot overcome Huang Daogong, a peak Dao Integration cultivator. Huang disperses his attack, leaving Fang pale, breathless, and with a trembling arm 20.

Martial Arts and Swordsmanship

His martial training places him among the institute’s top eight Doing-branch examination candidates 3.

• Maintains a routine of morning boxing practice 19.
• Uses rapid, sustained sword attacks to overpower enemies in his first military battle 29.
• Throws his sword into an attacker’s back to save a fellow soldier from a strike to the neck 29.
• Continues fighting after an enemy blade grazes his waist 29.

Scholarship, Calligraphy, and Teaching

Fang combines strong academic results with practical, individualized instruction 3 5.

• Writes neat, elegant small regular script; his handwriting influences Fan Dazhi’s own careful calligraphy 3 15.
• Teaches classics and mathematics, including a difficult problem that only Fan Dazhi solves correctly 4 5.
• Uses a lesson on the character for “aspiration” to invite students to discuss their ambitions 5.
• Teaches through travel, explaining scenic places, local history, and regional customs rather than limiting instruction to books 13.

Investigation and Political Insight

Fang draws conclusions from physical evidence and institutional developments 3 4 14.

• Recognizes Tan Song’s shattered dan foundation and fatal blade wound as evidence of an attacker at Dao Integration or above 4.
• Connects the unusual wound to weapons associated with Unknown Island’s assassins 3 4.
• Suspects that imperial approval of the Cui Family’s Dragon Gate Academy signals an effort to undermine the Knowledge and Practice Institute 14.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Sword — Used in his first Scout Corps battle for close combat and a life-saving thrown strike 29.
• Brush and writing materials — Used for elegant regular-script writing, classroom demonstrations, and scholarly notes 3 5 19.

Relationships

• Wei Zhilin — Master. Fang respects his guidance on truth-seeking and moral cultivation, and turns to the institute for help after failing to rescue his students alone 3 14 21.
• He An — Student. Fang supports his ambition to emulate Li Xingzhi, recommends him for admission, and delivers medicine after his injury 5 6 17.
• Fan Dazhi — Student. Fang recognizes the talent beneath his lazy demeanor and defends his character and ability when Lu Zhengqing criticizes his examination behavior 5 17.
• Miao Feifei — Village-school student. Fang reassures her after Tan Song’s murder and prevents constables from taking her away for questioning 3 4.
• Ding Feiyong — Former teacher and trusted adviser. Fang regularly visits him and seeks advice about military life and strategy 19.
• Lu Zhengqing — Respected institute teacher. Fang responds calmly to his accusations and submits He An’s and Fan Dazhi’s papers for evaluation 17.
• Ding Wenruo — Daughter of his former teacher; she addresses him as “Senior Brother Fang” and approaches his students at her father’s request 19 30.
• Huang Daogong — Adversary. Fang intercepts him while he is carrying away He An and Fan Dazhi, despite the substantial gap between their cultivation realms 20.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Protecting the Village Students

After He An, Fan Dazhi, and Miao Feifei witness Tan Song’s killing, Fang examines the body and identifies a possible connection to Unknown Island. When Zhang Bailing and two bailiffs arrive to seize the children for questioning, Fang intervenes and defeats their attacks. He repeatedly insists that the children lack the power to commit the murder, eventually securing the constables’ promise not to trouble them again 3 4.

Bringing He An and Fan Dazhi to Luoyang

Fang and the old schoolteacher jointly recommend the two boys for the institute’s entrance test. He escorts them along the Han River and through Funiu Mountain, making frequent educational stops before reaching Yique County and crossing Dragon Gate Mountain into Luoyang. Throughout the journey, he warns them against arrogance and distraction by the capital’s luxuries 6 13 14.

In Luoyang, Fang arranges their lodging and explains the written and martial examinations. After Fan Dazhi’s conduct angers Lu Zhengqing, Fang retrieves both boys’ papers; Lu ultimately praises their work and awards A-plus grades 14 15 17.

Confrontation with Huang Daogong

While returning from a visit to Ding Feiyong, Fang spots Huang Daogong carrying his students toward the Cui Residence. He intercepts Huang and demands their release, but his attack is defeated. Fang then seeks help from the institute, leading to Wei Zhilin’s intervention and the boys’ return 20 21.

Before departing Luoyang, Fang urges the students to study diligently, exercise patience, and avoid repeating their impulsive clash with Cui Mengshu. They accompany him beyond Changxia Gate, regarding him as both teacher and friend 21.

Entering Military Service

With his teaching practicum complete and graduation approaching, Fang tells Ding Feiyong that he wants to serve with the Western Expedition Army stationed in Lanzhou. He believes the emperor will eventually campaign against Western Liang and seeks guidance on military affairs 19.

He later joins the Western Army Scout Corps. In his first battle, he defeats enemy fighters and saves a spear-wielding comrade, who promises to recommend him for a major commendation. Before the fighting settles, arrows fly from the woods and the soldiers are ordered into three-man defensive formations 29.

Notable Quotes

“To write is to give form to your aspirations!” 5

“Those three... are all my students.” 4

“They’re both my students. Release them at once!” 20