Li Yan

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Li Yan (李言)
Alias(es)	Zhang Ming; Brother Jiang; Elder Li; Qing A Wang
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Netherworld Sect — Small Bamboo Peak; later Po Jun Sect; Soul Suppressing Palace
Occupation/Role	Cultivator; poison cultivator; body refiner; soul cultivator
Status	Alive
First Appearance	2

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Qi Condensation, early eighth level peak	106	Broke through twice in the Secret Realm and rapidly stabilized at the peak of the early eighth level.
Foundation Establishment, ninth grade	420	His ninth-grade foundation and the Gui Water True Scripture gave him spiritual power comparable to an ordinary Foundation Establishment Completion cultivator.
Golden Core, middle stage	936	Reached this stage during forty years of seclusion, though he encountered a bottleneck afterward.
Golden Core, late stage	1012	Advanced alongside Zhao Min before they sought out Su Hong.
Pseudo-Nascent Soul	1094	Returned from seclusion already at the Pseudo-Nascent Soul Realm.
Nascent Soul, early stage	1129 1135	Survived the Heavenly Sword Heavenly Tribulation, formed a Nascent Soul, and gained Nascent Soul teleportation capability.
Nascent Soul, peak	1269	Fought Yan San with peak Nascent Soul cultivation, Qiongqi Purgatory Body Refinement, and Five Elements Return to Primordial Chaos.
Spirit Transformation	1504 1505	Transcended a Heavenly Tribulation by integrating Yin–Yang principles with the Five Elements; gained deeper insight into life, death, and the Five Elements Laws.
Void Refinement, middle stage	2456	Publicly identified by Mu Guyue as a Mid-Stage Void Refinement cultivator.
Void Refinement, late stage	2792	Reached late-stage Void Refinement at an exceptional pace.
—	2873	Failed to break through to Body Integration after sixty years of seclusion, but refined his cultivation and increased his strength by roughly ten percent.

Background / History

Li Yan was born in Great Green Mountain Village to Li Chang, known locally as Chang Bo. His father chose military service for him over an uncertain county apprenticeship, sending him to enlist with the Imperial Guards. Even as a village youth, Li Yan was noted for being calmer and more composed than his peers. 2 11

His life changed when Military Advisor Ji Wenhe accepted him as a disciple. Li Yan began cultivating under Ji’s guidance, while his family learned of his new status with shock and joy. 15

After arriving at the Netherworld Sect, Li Yan became Wei Chongran’s disciple on Small Bamboo Peak. His guarded explanations of his past led Wei Chongran to recognize both his wariness and the experiences that had shaped it. 56 58 He cultivated the Gui Water True Scripture, an inheritance uniquely suited to his constitution, while his Dismembering Poison Body repeatedly created dangerous and unusual effects during training. 66 67

Li Yan advanced through the sect’s trials and conflicts by combining poison, traps, evasive movement, and unusually deep spiritual power. His performance during the Qi Condensation competitions established his reputation as an unpredictable opponent capable of pressuring cultivators above his visible realm. 93 94 120

He later reunited with his mortal family but concealed his cultivation from them, believing the truth would be too difficult for them to accept. He returned with Gong Chenying and Zhao Min, presenting them as daughters of high-ranking officials rather than cultivators. 242 244 Much later, he secretly cured his niece Li Yue’s terminal illness and extended the lifespan of the Li Clan village, while choosing not to draw a young relative with a poor Mixed Spirit Root into cultivation. 1075 1076

Appearance

Li Yan’s appearance changes with his cultivation and disguises, though he is usually described as tall, dark-complexioned, and ordinary-featured. Qiongqi Purgatory Body Refinement reshaped his physique into a powerful, compact frame. 234 936

• Over eight feet tall after Foundation Establishment, with visible muscle movement beneath his robes. 234
• Commonly wears short, jet-black hair likened to steel needles, giving him a resolute and capable appearance. 1355 1720
• Has also worn his hair long, which gives him a more refined and elegant bearing. 2215 2220
• His aura can be concealed so thoroughly that he appears to be an ordinary mortal. 936 1135
• Frequently uses disguises and altered appearances to avoid recognition. 1294 2215

Personality

Li Yan is cautious, observant, and exceptionally difficult to read. He habitually withholds information, maintains a polite exterior, and prepares for betrayal even while appearing cooperative. His preference is to avoid direct confrontation whenever traps, poison, deception, or stealth can produce the same result. 58 513 2584 2705

He is deeply attached to the people he accepts as his own. Li Yan is generous toward loved ones, worries constantly about his family, and will devote resources or take risks for them without hesitation. 190 242 1076 Conversely, he is ruthless toward enemies who threaten his interests or those under his protection, often striking before they can understand what has happened. 446 1395 1667

His compassion is selective rather than indiscriminate. Li Yan has spared captives who were truthful or showed basic humanity, provided them with resources, and deliberately cultivated “good karma”; he kills those who lie to him or continue to harbor murderous intent. 2680 2681

Abilities & Skills

Gui Water True Scripture

Li Yan’s core cultivation method is an ancient Five Immortals Sect inheritance that produces extremely pure, abundant spiritual power and allows flexible elemental conversion. 66 106 207

• His spiritual power was approximately four times that of cultivators at the same realm during his early cultivation. 207
• Can shift his spiritual power between single-element and multi-element combinations in battle. 207
• Greatly enhances his Divine Sense beyond the normal rate of cultivation-based growth. 207
• Supports rapid technique release and sustained close combat. 420 660

Dismembering Poison Body

Li Yan possesses the rare Dismembering Poison Body, which produces strange and lethal toxins beyond ordinary poison cultivation. Its early instability caused corrosive rain, blue mist, interrupted techniques, and damage to his courtyard. 67

• Can create poisons that infiltrate spiritual power and internal organs without immediate detection. 119
• His toxins can kill Golden Core cultivators after invading the Purple Mansion and contaminating the Golden Core. 538
• Developed Bloodline Anonymity, a poison that targets Nascent Souls when they leave the body. 1143
• Later developed Zhi Li Poison combinations capable of instantly killing same-realm Spirit Transformation cultivators after their defenses are breached. 1667
• The physique grants extreme recovery during tribulations, including rapid healing from Wind Tribulation injuries. 1123

Qiongqi Purgatory Body Refinement

Li Yan’s primary body-refining art grants immense physical strength, resilience, and close-combat lethality. It synergizes unusually well with the Gui Water True Scripture. 219

• Reached the fifth level after quickly breaking through the fourth level with the help of Undying Nether Phoenix Essence Blood. 1262
• Continued through the sixth layer and later incorporated multiple external methods into a personalized version of the art. 1307 2464
• Allows him to defeat opponents far above his apparent cultivation through speed, durability, and raw force. 538 797 1585
• His physical strength was judged capable of contending with ordinary early Body Integration cultivators while he concealed his true realm. 2796
• Requires relentless tempering; Li Yan used Black Flame Mountain’s gravity to push Nine Cauldrons Gui Water and his body to their limits. 2584

Five Elements Techniques

Li Yan combines his Gui Water lineage with techniques based on the Five Elements, producing disruptive and versatile combat methods. 1269 1504

• Five Elements Return to Primordial Chaos — Used to endure the Heavenly Sword Tribulation and to confront powerful enemies. 1129 1269
• Five Elements Chaotic Cloak — Disrupts the Five Elements Rules in an area, impairing opponents’ control of techniques and magic treasures. 1329
• Five Elements Chaotic Cloak can be activated instantaneously to interrupt an enemy’s power gathering. 2173
• His later Spirit Transformation breakthrough incorporated Yin–Yang principles into his understanding of the Five Elements Laws. 1504 1505

Soul Cultivation

Li Yan cultivated soul techniques in addition to his mana and body-refinement paths, favoring their stealth and assassination potential. 1501 1696

• Soul Leading Kill — At Spirit Transformation, can pull out an enemy’s Earth Soul through physical contact; using his soul body allows him to draw all three souls. 1505
• Used a silent soul-leading secret technique to inflict severe pain on a fallen Spirit Transformation cultivator. 1327
• Soul Shifting Technique — Can extract, separate, stabilize, and treat the Three Souls and Seven Spirits; it can also be used offensively. 2742
• His soul power is exceptionally pure and strong, allowing him to break soul-attacking formations and advance 170 zhang through a Soul Spirit test. 1445

Concealment and Mobility

Li Yan relies heavily on movement and stealth to control engagements before committing to a kill. 93 232

• Stealthy Night Hide — Suppresses aura, movement, and spiritual fluctuations; can conceal him even from opponents a major realm higher when cultivated deeply. 232
• Used Stealthy Night Hide to approach Yi Ming unnoticed before killing him with poison. 446
• Phoenix Skyward Flight — Provides extreme bursts of speed, though prolonged use strains his meridians. 489
• His enhanced physique later increased Phoenix Skyward Flight’s speed and his ability to turn or stop at high velocity. 1253
• Uses Earth Escape, Quicksand Technique, and evasive movement to force opponents to waste spiritual power and remain wary of hidden poison. 93

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Gui Yi Dividing Water Thorn — Li Yan’s Natal Magic Treasure; a suppression-type weapon most effective when used unexpectedly. 1269 1270
• Waist Token — Controls his Bamboo Courtyard’s protective formations and provides access to sect formations. 58
• Ancient Ape Puppet — Maintains his courtyard and can be directed through a wisp of Divine Sense. 220
• Undying Nether Phoenix Essence Blood — Greatly enhanced his physique, speed, and body-refinement potential. 538 1253
• Broken Red Handheld Lantern — A damaged, low-grade-looking lantern that reacted inside a wind cave and may connect to the Wind God Continent. 2867
• Melt Bamboo Shoot — Used during his Nascent Soul tribulation and to support explosive movement. 489 1129

Relationships

• Wei Chongran — Master at Small Bamboo Peak; personally guided Li Yan through the problems caused by the Dismembering Poison Body and repeatedly protected him in battle. 58 67 620
• Ji Wenhe — Li Yan’s first known cultivation master, who accepted him as a disciple after his entry into the Imperial Guards. 15
• Gong Chenying — Sixth Senior Sister, Dao companion, and later wife; their relationship grew from mutual testing and trust into an open commitment. 188 189 1371
• Zhao Min — Close companion and intended wife; their wedding was announced by Wei Chongran, and they consistently support each other in cultivation and major decisions. 1012 1180 2792
• Mu Guyue — Mother of Li Yan’s child and later his wife; their relationship developed into mutual intimacy and understanding. 936 2456
• Li Zhaoyan — Daughter; Li Yan guides her puppetry and shares knowledge of the Immortal Spirit Realm with her. 1679
• Little Beast / Xiao Lun — Son with Gong Chenying; Li Yan’s concern for him reassured Gong Chenying during their reunion. 2803 2629
• Bai Rou — Long-standing friend and confidante; Li Yan has aided her recovery and discussed cultivation, puppetry, and personal matters with her. 519 1137 1679
• Hong Yin — Gong Chenying’s master and Li Yan’s battle ally; they cooperated against Spirit Transformation enemies and later investigated the Wind God Continent together. 1327 2867
• Li Wuyi — Eldest Senior Brother, whom Li Yan regards with strong fraternal affection. 106 2716
• Mei Hongyu — Formerly a wary acquaintance, later a traveling companion whom Li Yan repeatedly assisted with resources, escape, and finding her sect. 2165 2220 2228

Story Role / Major Arcs

Netherworld Sect and Small Bamboo Peak

Li Yan enters the cultivation world as Ji Wenhe’s disciple, then settles at Small Bamboo Peak under Wei Chongran. There he discovers the burdens of the Dismembering Poison Body, acquires the Gui Water True Scripture, and develops the cautious fighting style that defines him. 15 58 67

Qi Condensation Trials

During sect competitions and the Wheel of Life and Death trial, Li Yan establishes himself as a poison user who can stall stronger opponents through hidden toxins, traps, evasive techniques, and unusually deep reserves of spiritual power. His deductions about the Blue Rhombus Crystals also reveal his ability to lead through observation rather than force. 93 119 133

Foundation Establishment and Demon Suppression Tower

After Foundation Establishment, Li Yan’s body refinement and poison arts allow him to confront enemies above his realm. He survives encounters with Yi Ming, eventually kills him in revenge, and gains a reputation as a body cultivator whose true strength cannot be judged from his visible cultivation. 396 418 446

Family Reunion and Mortal Ties

Li Yan returns to his village without exposing his immortal identity, prioritizing his family’s peace over recognition. Centuries later, he aids the Li Clan from afar, curing Li Yue and extending the village’s lifespan while accepting that mortals and cultivators must ultimately walk separate paths. 242 244 1075 1076

Nascent Soul Ascension

Li Yan survives the Heavenly Sword Heavenly Tribulation and forms a Nascent Soul. He refines Stealthy Night Hide, expands his poison repertoire, and becomes capable of using increasingly dangerous soul and Five Elements techniques. 1129 1135 1143

Spirit Transformation and the Po Jun Sect

After breaking through to Spirit Transformation, Li Yan tests and refines his expanded techniques while becoming increasingly involved with the Po Jun Sect and Soul Suppression Palace. Though he keeps his strength hidden, his ability to kill or defeat stronger cultivators causes others to reassess him as a dangerous and unpredictable figure. 1504 1562 1667

Immortal Spirit Realm

Li Yan continues to conceal his true strength while navigating the Immortal Spirit Realm, cultivating soul arts, body refinement, poison, and Five Elements methods in parallel. He repeatedly assists allies and family while pursuing techniques and opportunities that can strengthen Zhao Min, Gong Chenying, and his descendants. 1696 2682 2792

Void Refinement Era

At Void Refinement, Li Yan’s combat power greatly exceeds his displayed realm. He can slaughter same-realm opponents after disrupting their souls and defenses, defeat stronger cultivators with a single strike, and remain cautious even when his strength gives him a decisive advantage. 2819 2829 2984

Trivia

• Li Yan maintains the mortal custom of cleaning his courtyard before the New Year, using an Ancient Ape Puppet to help. 220
• He considers survival more important than offensive glory, which is why he values stealth, defensive methods, and escape techniques so highly. 232
• Despite becoming a formidable body refiner, Li Yan personally prefers poison cultivation, soul cultivation, ambushes, and subtle tactics over direct clashes. 2584
• His Mixed Spirit Root is ordinarily considered poor aptitude, but the Gui Water True Scripture’s compatibility with his Dismembering Poison Body turned it into a foundation for extraordinary cultivation. 106 1076