Li Jingfei

Biodata

Power Progression

History

Sect Training and Earlier Reputation

Li Jingfei trained in the Yuanchu Sect, one of the Song Kingdom’s Four Sects. He was considered a genius in his youth and painstakingly developed his martial prowess, briefly touching the Fourth Qi before his cultivation regressed 10 25 48 54.

His leg techniques earned him the name Astonishing Wind Leg and a considerable reputation in Commandery City. His earlier exploits included capturing the Twenty-Four Bandits. By the time Zhou Muzhi seeks instruction, Li has been away from his sect for years and is one of Suming County’s two renowned martial masters, alongside Zhao Chenfeng 4 26 30 48.

Accepting Zhou Muzhi

Zhou Buren obtains an admission letter allowing his younger brother, Zhou Muzhi, to study under Li for three months. After examining Zhou, Li agrees to a trial period, with formal acceptance as his final disciple dependent on satisfactory progress. He immediately begins teaching the Body Condensation Method but initially refuses to let Zhou call him “Master” 6 7.

When Zhou reaches beginner-level Body Condensation after only one day, Li concludes that their sect’s method suits him exceptionally well and accepts him as a disciple. Unaware of Zhou’s deduction panel, he attributes the extraordinary improvement to compatibility with the method 10.

Li purchases a Blood-Coagulating Pill to accelerate Zhou’s training against the spirit troubling him. Zhou secretly transforms it into a Heavenly Blood Treasure Pill, leaving Li astonished by the resulting progress. Li subsequently prepares a room with calming incense, teaches the orally transmitted secrets of Gate Knocking, and waits outside during Zhou’s successful breakthrough 13 16 17.

Backing His Disciple Against the Qian Family

After detecting blood scent and killing intent on Lao Xu, Li realizes that Zhou is in trouble. He urges his disciple to rely on his elders rather than assuming he must face every threat alone. On learning that Qian Zhen attempted to seize the Zhou family’s ancestral estate, Li promises support while encouraging Zhou to use the Qian family as a test of his abilities 25 26.

Li teaches Zhou the Cloud-Chasing Thunderclap Technique and, at Zhou’s request, undertakes the difficult task of committing his specialty to writing. He later hands over the completed manual and warns Zhou not to underestimate the Qian family 30 33 42.

When a head constable arrives to arrest Zhou on fourteen accusations, Li demands documents bearing the county seal and the signatures of the county’s officials. The constable has no such paperwork and withdraws without taking Zhou. Li also agrees to oversee Zhou’s confrontation with Qian Zhen, intending to prevent older martial artists from intervening 48.

Battle with Zhao Chenfeng

When Zhao Chenfeng appears as Qian Zhen’s master, Li steps in front of Zhou and borrows the Listening Rain sword. He engages Zhao, allowing Zhou to continue fighting Qian Zhen without interference 52.

After Qian Zhen’s death, Zhou joins Li against Zhao. Li intercepts an attack aimed at his disciple and releases his costly high-output combat state. Although slightly weaker than Zhao in their direct exchanges, he benefits substantially from the superior sword 54 55.

Zhou and A-Xiang create an opening by trapping Zhao with the Red Silk Sash. Li follows with successive sword attacks, forcing Zhao to sacrifice a hand and flee. Li returns the sword afterward, coughing blood, and admits that he had originally hoped only to get himself and Zhou out alive 55.

Relocation and Lasting Illness

Following the battle, Li moves into the Zhou Residence with his grandson to consolidate their defenses against retaliation. He continues watching over Zhou’s cultivation and guards him during his Third Qi breakthrough 56.

The battle leaves Li with a persistent cough. Physicians consulted by Zhou describe it as an ailment caused by prolonged exertion that can be alleviated but not cured. Despite his condition, Li agrees to guard Zhou’s Fourth Qi breakthrough. Zhou’s claim to have deduced the missing cultivation method leads Li to recognize him as a possible Primordial Martial Seed, also called a Martial Dao Celestial 63.

Appearance

• Build and age: Lean and trim, with numerous wrinkles and graying temples; later described as noticeably thin 6 56.
• Clothing: Wears gray clothing, including a gray shirt and long trousers during practice 7 13.
• Distinguishing accessory: An old wineskin hangs at his waist 6.
• Combat form: His muscles swell markedly when he releases his strength against Zhao Chenfeng 54.

Personality

Li is initially strict about the distinction between a temporary student and a disciple, but generous once he accepts someone as his own. He teaches Zhou without withholding his knowledge, provides medicine and breakthrough preparations, and openly offers protection. He regards mutual support between stronger and weaker members as essential to a sect’s survival 6 7 13 16 25.

His loyalty does not mean sheltering Zhou from every danger. He believes strength requires tempering and treats the Qian family conflict as an opportunity for his disciple to gain experience, while repeatedly insisting that Zhou ask for help when necessary 26 42.

Age has moderated the aggression of his youth. He once would have charged directly into a fight with little concern for survival; now he places greater importance on developing his successor. His relaxed drinking, teasing remarks, and enjoyment of praise coexist with enduring pride in the Yuanchu Sect 25 26 30.

Abilities & Skills

Cloud-Chasing Thunderclap Technique

Li’s signature art combines movement and leg techniques and is the foundation of his Astonishing Wind Leg reputation 30.

• Minor mastery: Enables evasion of opponents at the same level 30.
• Major mastery: Enables the practitioner to overwhelm same-level opponents; Li’s own mastery is identified as great accomplishment 30 58.
• Perfection: Offers the possibility of fighting above one’s level, though Li is not established to have reached this stage 30 58.
• Personal refinements: His improved kicking sequences conceal killing moves within ordinary-looking movements 35.
• Speed: During his demonstration, he moves behind Zhou before the latter can follow the movement 30.

Cultivation Instruction

Li possesses the Yuanchu Sect’s training methods and practical knowledge of martial breakthroughs 16 25.

• Teaches the Turning Lock Body Condensation Method, whose quality contributes to Zhou’s unusually strong Blood Gate foundation 10 17.
• Knows orally transmitted Gate Knocking secrets not committed to writing 16.
• Provides a volume containing cultivation methods and personal insights through the Third Qi, Heavy Bone 25.
• Explains the five qi: Light Body, Steady Mountain, Heavy Bone, Spirit Pivot, and Sustained Force 25.

Combat Versatility

Although best known for his legs, Li also offers instruction in fist, palm, movement, and armed-combat techniques 30.

• Wields the borrowed Listening Rain sword effectively against Zhao Chenfeng’s heavy saber 52 55.
• Can temporarily draw on strength beyond his ordinary Three Qi condition, but the exertion carries a strict time limit and serious physical consequences 54 55.

Perception and Martial Pressure

• Detects Lao Xu’s blood scent and killing intent, exposing Zhou’s concealed involvement in violence 25.
• Recognizes Zhou’s attainment of One Qi from a briefly exposed aura 47.
• Releases an oppressive martial aura that makes even Blood Gate-level Zhou feel that his life is outside his own control 26.

Equipment & Items

• Old wineskin — His habitual drinking vessel, frequently carried at his waist or held while resting 6 25 30.
• Cultivation volume — Contains his cultivation method and accumulated martial insights; given to Zhou 25.
• Cloud-Chasing Thunderclap manual — Written at Zhou’s request and delivered before the banquet with the Qian and Zhong families 33 42.
• Blood-Coagulating Pill — Purchased for Zhou to accelerate Body Condensation; its later transformation is Zhou’s doing 13.
• Listening Rain sword — Borrowed from Zhou for the fight with Zhao Chenfeng and returned afterward 52 55.

Relationships

• Zhou Muzhi — Disciple and intended successor. Li supplies instruction, resources, political shelter, and direct protection; Zhou later seeks medical treatment for him 16 25 48 63.
• Unnamed grandson — Lives with Li, answers the residence’s gate, and plays nearby while he rests. Concern for the boy’s safety helps persuade Li to relocate to the Zhou Residence 6 48 56.
• Lao Xu — Zhou’s guard. Li notices his attempts to linger around training and later offers to guide his Gate Knocking if he pays the required costs 10 17.
• Zhao Chenfeng — Fellow renowned county master and eventual opponent. Their confrontation ends with Zhao fleeing after losing a hand 4 55.
• Qian family — Enemies of his disciple. Li initially treats them as Zhou’s proving ground but warns that their backing makes them more dangerous than they appear 26 42 48.

Notable Quotes

“The strong never grow beneath another’s wings. Disciple, what you lack now is tempering. Go ahead and make this Qian Family your whetstone.” 26

“If you can’t do it, don’t force yourself. I’m getting old, and finding a sufficiently gifted disciple isn’t easy. Your talent is outstanding, so there’s no need to rush.” 16

“Then I’ll kill you before that!” — Responding to Zhao Chenfeng’s warning that his released power will run out 54