Yan Gang

Biodata

Background / History

Wartime injuries and care for Qi Yuan

Yan Gang was a close friend and comrade-in-arms of Qi Yuan’s father, Qi Hong. Ten years before the main story, Qi Yuan’s parents died in battle, while Yan Gang suffered serious injuries that damaged his foundations. He returned to his hometown and became a teacher, remaining at Level Three 4.

The Yan Family helped care for the orphaned Qi Yuan throughout his childhood. Yan Gang regretted being unable to stop the Yang Family from taking the Secret Realm entry slot secured by Qi Yuan’s parents. When Qi Yuan later displayed unexpected strength, Yan Gang mistakenly concluded that he had concealed his talent for years to avoid attracting the Yang Family’s hostility 4.

Preparing Qi Yuan for Planetary Space

As third-year department director and Qi Yuan’s homeroom teacher, Yan Gang intervened after Zhou Tong attacked Qi Yuan. He rejected Zhou Tong’s excuses and insisted that attacking a student was a serious matter requiring an explanation to the school 4.

Yan Gang gave Qi Yuan the Planetary Space information he had previously gathered for his daughter. He explained the Inheritance Tower, chakra-affinity requirements, and Kekkei Genkai classifications, particularly warning him against the Sharingan and the risks associated with Danzō, Kakashi, and Might Guy’s inheritances 4 5.

After Qi Yuan achieved a chakra affinity of 121, Yan Gang wept with joy and invited him home for dinner. He subsequently led the qualifying students to the Planetary Space entrance. When Lin Qiang recognized Qi Yuan as the son of his enemy, Yan Gang immediately stood between them and promised to protect Qi Yuan even at the cost of his life 8 9 11.

Sharingan inheritance and expulsion

Yan Gang feared for Qi Yuan when he failed to emerge from Planetary Space as its closing approached. His relief at Qi Yuan’s return turned to concern upon seeing the Three-Tomoe Sharingan. Rather than criticize him, Yan Gang proposed abandoning the Martial Trial and going directly to Mowu General Hospital to slow the inheritance’s harmful effects 20 21.

He defended Qi Yuan’s scholarship when Wang Ke demanded it, then tried to appeal to school management after learning that Qi Yuan had been expelled and the money reclaimed. He also accompanied Qi Yuan to the hearing over Lin Tao’s ambush, where Liu Tianjun intimidated him until Qi Yuan stepped forward to shield him 24 25.

After witnessing Qi Yuan use the Eight Gates of Limitless, Yan Gang recognized the resemblance to Qi Hong and feared that the son might share his father’s fate. He also informed Jia Nan that Qi Yuan’s expulsion barred him from the Martial Trial, helping bring the enrollment issue to the warden’s attention 26 27.

Resignation and appointment as principal

Yan Gang argued fiercely with the school’s senior management over Qi Yuan’s expulsion. After learning that the decision came from the Yang Family through the school board, he voluntarily submitted his resignation. Although he described himself as dismissed, he returned to Shangcheng to complete the resignation paperwork 29.

Qi Yuan’s suggestion that the Yang Family could be made to disappear alarmed him. Yan Gang messaged Yan Qingqing, asking her to speak with Qi Yuan after finishing her mission and dissuade him from pursuing revenge 29.

Following the Martial Trial, Qi Yuan asked Jia Nan to help appoint Yan Gang as principal. Jia Nan contacted Mayor Sima Nan, who arranged the appointment and visited Yan Gang’s home. Yan Gang nevertheless questioned the mayor’s request that Qi Yuan clear a Small Secret Realm, remaining concerned about his youth despite knowing his strength 40.

Yan Gang assumed office the following day. Disgruntled directors initially challenged his appointment, but news of the mayor’s arrival sent them rushing to receive him 41.

Personality

Yan Gang is openly affectionate toward Qi Yuan, celebrating his achievements and treating him as part of the family. His concern does not disappear when others dismiss the Sharingan inheritance as worthless: he prioritizes medical care over examination results and continues defending Qi Yuan after his expulsion 8 21 24.

His loyalty is tempered by caution born from past losses. He promises to risk his life against Lin Qiang, yet fears Qi Yuan’s use of the Eight Gates and possible retaliation against the Yang Family. His inability to prevent the theft of Qi Yuan’s inheritance opportunity remains a source of guilt 4 11 27 29.

Abilities & Skills

Level Three Ninja

• Remains at Level Three because of the foundational damage sustained ten years earlier 4.
• Is vulnerable to pressure from stronger opponents: Liu Tianjun’s intimidating gaze leaves him feeling threatened with death 25.

Inheritance Knowledge and Student Guidance

• Explains Planetary Space entry requirements, the Inheritance Tower, and the benefits and dangers of different inheritances 4 5.
• Teaches Qi Yuan about the distinction between commoners, Cold-Clans, Family Clans, and King Family Clans, using the Xu Family’s hereditary Ice Release as an example 12.
• Organizes and leads the school’s qualifying students to the Planetary Space entrance 9 11.

Relationships

• Qi Yuan — Student and the son of his deceased comrade. Yan Gang helps raise and protect him; Qi Yuan later shields him from Liu Tianjun and arranges his appointment as principal 4 25 40.
• Qi Hong — Close friend and former comrade-in-arms. Qi Yuan’s Eight Gates technique reminds Yan Gang of him 4 26 27.
• Aunt Hong — Wife and partner in caring for Qi Yuan 9.
• Yan Qingqing — Daughter, studying at Yudu University. Yan Gang asks her to counsel Qi Yuan against taking revenge on the Yang Family 4 29.
• Lin Qiang — Former classmate of Yan Gang and Qi Hong. Yan Gang protects Qi Yuan from the blood feud caused by Qi Hong killing Lin Qiang’s elder brother 11.
• Jia Nan — Guardian Warden who assists Qi Yuan and uses his connections to secure Yan Gang’s principalship 26 40.
• Sima Nan — Mayor who arranges Yan Gang’s appointment and personally supports him against the school’s resistant leadership 40 41.

Notable Quotes

“Whatever the reason, attacking your own student is an extremely serious matter. You need to explain yourself to the school, not me. Understood?” 4

“And even if something happens, I’ll protect you, even if it costs me my life.” 11