Jiang Xiaochuan
Patriarch of the Talisman Dao
Contents
Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Jiang Xiaochuan (姜小川) 10 |
| Gender | Male 10 |
| Origin | Danyang Jiang Family, a small cultivation lineage 10 |
| Affiliation | Green Immortal Sect; Great Unity Peak 18 |
| Occupation/Role | Menial disciple; herb garden attendant responsible for guarding a spiritual herb garden 18 |
| Spiritual Roots | Registered as fire, earth, and metal 15 |
| Cultivation | Eighth layer of Qi Refining at his latest documented breakthrough 34 |
| Former Residence | Room nine, Gengzi Courtyard, Reserve Beauty Peak 10 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 10, “Ye Shanhua of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion” 10 |
Power Progression
| Stage / Realm / Level | Chapter | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Qi Refining, first layer | 13 | Retrospectively identified as his cultivation before advancing to the third layer. |
| Qi Refining, third layer | 13 | Reached during Xu Changshou’s half-month seclusion. |
| Qi Refining, sixth layer | 16 | Reached by the end of the following two and a half years; joined the courtyard disciples’ market trip to obtain breakthrough resources. |
| Qi Refining, seventh layer | 19 | Emerged after roughly five days of seclusion following his acquisition of a Barrier-Breaking Pill. Immediately sought Xu Changshou, hoping to claim seniority 17 19. |
| Qi Refining, eighth layer | 34 | Visited Xu Changshou immediately after advancing, only to discover that Xu had already reached the same layer. |
Background / History
Entry into the Green Immortal Sect
Jiang Xiaochuan entered the sect through its normal recruitment process, brought by his elders. He arrived at Gengzi Courtyard one day before Xu Changshou and occupied the neighboring room. He introduced Xu to the other disciples, helped prepare his room, and explained the distinction between small and major cultivation lineages 10.
Although initially less advanced in cultivation, Jiang knew considerably more about sect life and cultivation resources. Over a meal, Xu shared his experience of reaching the second layer, while Jiang recommended Qi Gathering Pills 11.
Assignment to Great Unity Peak
During spiritual-root registration, Jiang explained how gifts could influence the recorded results without guaranteeing placement at Cinnabar Clouds Peak. He admitted that he had also given gifts and urged Xu to use whatever money or connections he could to avoid Green Ink Peak 15.
Jiang’s actual target was Great Unity Peak. He considered competition at Cinnabar Clouds Peak too fierce, particularly because he lacked its preferred water, fire, and wood root combination. After spending substantially on gifts throughout the ranks, he secured an herb garden posting with dense spiritual energy and ample cultivation time 18.
Rivalry and Reunion
Jiang repeatedly tried to surpass Xu so that Xu would have to address him as “senior brother.” His seventh-layer breakthrough came first, but Xu remained secluded until reaching the same level. Because Xu was older, Jiang still had to acknowledge his seniority 17 19 20.
After two or three years without meeting Xu, Jiang visited upon reaching the eighth layer. Finding Xu at the same level again, he demanded an explanation and accepted Xu’s claim of a minor fortuitous opportunity. Xu noticed that Jiang’s childhood openness had become a more worldly, calculating attitude 34.
Jiang also delivered Li Linhao’s invitation to a reunion banquet and disclosed Li’s powerful family background. At the gathering, he criticized Xu and Su Mo for not arriving earlier, arguing that they should make a favorable impression on their host 35 36.
Appearance
- As a child: A bright-eyed boy with an easy, familiar manner 10.
- As a youth: Tall and slender, with an imposing bearing and a radiant smile. His voice had changed, and he was nearly as tall as Xu Changshou 34.
Personality
Initially friendly and helpful, Jiang volunteered to assist a newcomer and asked permission before entering Xu’s room. He admired Xu’s diligence, while acknowledging that he could not sustain the same devotion to secluded cultivation himself 10 17.
His competitiveness centered on cultivation-based seniority. He took pride in catching up with Xu despite being younger and starting later, and became jealous when Xu’s advancement contradicted his expectations 20 34.
As he grew older, Jiang became increasingly concerned with advantageous postings, backing, and social impressions. Xu interpreted this change as a consequence of the sect’s environment and their growing personal interests, rather than simply a deliberate choice by Jiang 34 36.
Abilities & Skills
Knowledge of Cultivation Resources
- Recommended Qi Gathering Pills to support Xu’s cultivation 11.
- Explained that direct trading between disciples made market pills cheaper than sect-counter purchases 16.
- Distinguished ordinary cultivation pills from breakthrough pills, identifying Foundation Establishment Pills as a higher-grade form of Barrier-Breaking Pill 17 18.
Navigating Sect Assignments
- Understood that altered root registrations did not override genuine candidates, limited vacancies, or stronger backing 15.
- Chose Great Unity Peak rather than spending his resources on the more competitive Cinnabar Clouds Peak 18.
Equipment / Items
- Barrier-Breaking Pill — A fiery-red pill acquired during the Cinnabar Clouds Peak market trip, with Ye Shanhua helping the group obtain favorable prices. Jiang displayed it to Xu before entering seclusion 17 19.
Relationships
- Xu Changshou — Former neighbor, childhood friend, and cultivation rival. Their early familiarity weakened as Jiang became more calculating and Xu grew reluctant to associate closely with him 10 20 34 35.
- Ye Shanhua — Senior sister who helped the group obtain Barrier-Breaking Pills. Jiang later asked her to purchase pills for his eighth-layer breakthrough 17 30.
- Li Linhao — Former courtyard companion and fellow Great Unity Peak disciple. Jiang admired his powerful backing and emphasized making a good impression at his banquet 18 35 36.
- Su Mo — Former courtyard companion whom Jiang criticized for arriving late to the reunion. His remarks visibly upset Su Mo and grated on Xu Changshou 36.