Ye Xicheng

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Deputy Commander and Recruitment

Ye Xicheng is the adopted son of Demon Hunting Team commander Fu Qingyang. Despite his reputation as Windrise Stronghold's youngest Ranked Martial Artist, few residents recognize his face because he spends much of his time away on missions 30.

During Chen Shi'an's recruitment, Ye suppresses the Martial Academy disciples' demands and warns Song Yuming that his father's position gives him no authority over the Demon Hunting Team. He initially offers Chen a way to end their dispute, but also recognizes Chen's attempt to involve the team in it. As a penalty, he requires Chen to win a squad leader position in addition to passing the ordinary strength test, then admits him with selection token 318 31.

Ye praises Chen's courage and intelligence to Fu Qingyang. After Fu suggests that Chen may be concealing his strength, Ye begins to regret imposing the additional requirement: a capable Chen could help check Song Yuming's influence within the team. Chen ultimately secures a squad leader position 32 33 36.

West Mountain Hollow

At West Mountain Hollow, Ye assigns squad duties and participates in the team's leadership discussions. The Demon Hunting Team handles scouting and patrols while the City Guard Battalion retains overall responsibility for defending the iron mine 52.

Behind the scenes, Ye supports Fu Qingyang's opposition to Xiang Chuxiong's interference. He proposes arranging Song Yuming's death, but Fu rejects the idea because it could give Xiang grounds to act against them. When Fu resolves to challenge Xiang's influence more directly, Ye pledges to follow him to the death; Fu promises that success could eventually place Windrise Stronghold in Ye's hands 52.

Ye fights Gu Qingyao during the confrontation with Flowing Stone Stronghold. His rapid saber attacks fail to overcome her, and her Sacred Arm Fist forces him steadily backward. His confidence falters upon realizing that the younger Gu possesses more abundant Origin Force. Fu's rebuke restores his resolve, but an all-out overhead slash still fails, and Gu defeats him with a punch to the chest 60 61.

Afterward, Fu counsels Ye that survival, composure, and persistence matter more than talent or a single defeat. Ye also receives orders to secretly bring in ore experts to investigate the suspected black-iron deposit 61.

Attempts to Control Chen Shi'an

Although Ye initially admires Chen, he helps Fu Qingyang cultivate a means of controlling him. Knowing that the Flowing Flame Saber Technique can damage its practitioner's meridians, Ye repeatedly guides Chen in it. Fu approves because the resulting dependence on their specially formulated Fire-Expelling Pills could compel Chen's obedience 52 67.

As Chen gains accomplishments, Ye becomes increasingly guarded. Fu identifies Chen as a potential source of insecurity for him, while Chen notices the change from condescension to vigilance 75 76.

Ye later assigns Chen's squad to investigate third-level Blazing Fire Lizards at Blackwater Ridge. Chen suspects that the dangerous mission is intended to kill him and eventually confronts Ye with that accusation 89 209.

Commander of the Demon Hunting Camp

After Fu Qingyang's fall, Ye takes command of the reorganized Demon Hunting Camp, which answers only to the City Lord. He gives Chen a Fire-Expelling Pill, explains the Flowing Flame Saber Technique's harmful effects, and obtains an outward pledge of loyalty. He then orders Chen to compete for deputy commander to help resist Xiang Chuxiong's attempt to dominate the camp 100.

Ye administers the selection examinations and presides over Chen's duel with Yun Feng. Recognizing the political significance of Yun Feng's Mysterious Edge Sword, he urgently hopes for Chen's victory. When Chen kills Yun Feng with a single draw, Ye's delight gives way to wariness at the speed of the attack 114 116 118 119.

After becoming deputy commander, Chen refuses to remain Ye's subordinate in private dealings. He invokes Tian Wenguang's support, warns against prematurely attacking the stronghold's rival officials, and demands cooperation as equals. Ye is left unable to answer 121.

Disputes Within Windrise Stronghold

Ye intervenes when Chen confronts Wang Tianye over his missing family members, though Tian Wenguang ultimately disperses both sides. Later, when Chen fails to return with Qianshan Xue and Xiang Li, Ye argues that the stronghold should search for him and receives orders to lead the Demon Hunting Camp into the Desolate Ruins 127 177.

During Hou Fang's imprisonment, Ye favors submitting the witnesses and evidence to the City Lord rather than intervening in the City Guard Battalion's affairs. When Chen insists on an immediate rescue, Ye permits him to act but limits participation to Chen and his own men 188 189.

Ye subsequently tries to reassert his leverage through the Fire-Expelling Pills. Chen reveals that he no longer needs them and warns Ye to stop interfering in his affairs. Although furious, Ye makes no further response 200.

Submission to Chen Shi'an

During Jiang Can's attempted seizure of power, Ye refuses to recognize his authority. Jiang orders Ye, Hu Wanli, and Ye Zhengxiong arrested, but Demon Hunting Camp forces led by Hou Fang and Du Gang intervene before the order can be carried out 206.

After the upheaval, Chen confronts Ye over the harmful cultivation scheme and the Blackwater Ridge assignment. He demands an oath of loyalty, offering to leave Ye's command of the camp intact. Ye initially refuses, but accepts after Chen gives him six breaths to choose between submission and death. His oath on his Martial Dao Heart produces an invisible vortex around him 209.

Ye thereafter addresses Chen as “Master.” When Song Yuming threatens Chen, Ye removes him from his squad leader position and expels him from the camp; after Song resists, Ye follows Chen's instruction to have his dantian crippled 210.

Chen later gives Ye twenty Saint Origin Pills and twenty Blood-Activating Pills, urging him to concentrate on cultivation and reach Third Grade 242.

Appearance

• A young man with deep, dark eyes 30 33.
• Frequently wears a slight, curled-lip smile when teasing recruits or asserting his authority 31 36.

Personality

Ye is introduced as proud, unrestrained, and untamable, readily embarrassing the Martial Academy despite its standing. He values practical strength over inherited influence and insists that disputes within the team be answered through performance and military merit 30 31 50.

He is strongly protective of the Demon Hunting Team's reputation. When Xiang Qinglong confronts Chen inside the camp, Ye takes responsibility for the dispute himself. He likewise promises to handle consequences from the City Guard Battalion if his men win their fights, though he has little sympathy for those who lose and then seek his protection 44 83.

His pride also makes him sensitive to being surpassed. Gu Qingyao's superiority briefly breaks his fighting spirit, while Chen's rapid rise produces suspicion and jealousy. His participation in the Fire-Expelling Pill scheme shows that his support for talented subordinates can coexist with efforts to keep them dependent 61 67 75 121.

Losing Fu Qingyang's backing makes Ye more politically careful. Chen acknowledges his improved reasoning when he seeks support against Xiang Chuxiong, and later observes that he has learned to conceal his emotions. Ultimately, Ye accepts an oath of service when assured that he can retain his command and status 100 209.

Abilities & Skills

Saber Combat

• Delivers fierce, uninterrupted combinations, performing more than thirty consecutive strikes against Gu Qingyao 60.
• Uses a saber technique that Chen judges comparable in power to the Flowing Flame Saber Technique, but inferior to the Seven Star-Chasing Forms 60.
• Can shift into a tightly woven defensive pattern, though Gu Qingyao's superior strength and speed eventually overcome it 61.

Origin Force

• Channels Origin Force into his blade to increase his speed and striking power 60.
• His all-out, two-handed overhead strike projects cold saber light more than a foot beyond the blade 61.
• His reserves and physical resistance are insufficient to withstand Gu Qingyao's sustained Sacred Arm Fist assault 61.

Instruction and Military Command

• Provides substantial instruction in the Flowing Flame Saber Technique and recognizes Chen's grasp of its essential movements 67 100.
• Oversees recruitment, squad assignments, patrol duties, and deputy commander assessments 31 43 52 114 118.
• Directs Iron Bull's investigations and deploys squads for reconnaissance 87 89.

Equipment / Items

• Cold Saber — His combat weapon against Gu Qingyao; carries his Origin Force and projected saber light 60 61.
• Fire-Expelling Pills — Specially formulated medicine used to suppress the harmful effects of the Flowing Flame Saber Technique; Ye attempts to use Chen's presumed need for them as leverage 100 200.
• Twenty Saint Origin Pills and twenty Blood-Activating Pills — Cultivation resources given to him by Chen Shi'an 242.

Relationships

• Fu Qingyang — Adoptive father and former commander. Ye supports his political ambitions and follows his guidance, including the plan to control Chen through cultivation side effects 30 52 67.
• Chen Shi'an — Recruit, subordinate, political partner, and eventual master. Their relationship shifts from patronage and manipulation to rivalry, then oath-bound service 31 100 121 209.
• Qianshan Xue — Fellow deputy commander under Fu Qingyang. Ye resents her independence and support for Song Yuming; Fu instructs him to learn from her judgment 52 61.
• Xiang Chuxiong — City Lord and political rival to Fu's faction. Ye opposes his encroachment on the team but remains in office under the reorganized camp 33 100 118.
• Iron Bull — Operative whom Ye tasks with investigations, including reconnaissance at Blackwater Ridge 52 87.
• Tao Yaoyao — The object of Ye's romantic interest. Chen later tells him that she does not reciprocate and advises him to abandon the pursuit 83 210.
• Cui Zhu — Sends Ye a perfume sachet through Chen. Ye initially fails to remember her and hopes the gift came from Tao Yaoyao instead 83.

Notable Quotes

“In the Desolate Ruins, brains and courage aren't enough. When you aren't as strong as someone else, you must learn to bow your head when necessary.” 31

“Staying alive matters more than anything.” 31

“If you win, I'll shoulder the consequences for you.” 83