Deng Yuzhi

Deng Yuzhi is Deng Qiuzhi’s younger brother and an intermittent ally of the Li Family. His demeaning public behavior conceals political caution and a hatred of the Chi household rooted in the destruction of Deng cultivators. (Chapters 296, 376, 1260–1261)

Biography

A subordinate’s concealed loyalties and lasting grief

Sent to conscript Li Xuanfeng, Yuzhi privately apologizes to Tongya before resuming an arrogant public role. He warns that Chejing’s death is known, identifies Chi Zhiyan’s hostility, offers discreet channels for cooperation, and advises Tongya to avoid the conspicuous reputation others are building around him. He cannot accept Tongya as a substitute for Xuanfeng because his own position depends on obeying sect orders. At Yi Mountain City, Ning Hejing later humiliates him and warns that his foolish behavior had better be genuine. Yuzhi keeps up the appearance, but Xuanfeng recognizes that his words may contain another message. (Chapters 296, 376)

Much later, Yuzhi meets Zhouwei as a thin, composed elder. The Deng household has finally been released from the forced technique that caused madness and deaths across generations, yet his personal anger has not vanished with the passing of the original persecutors. He admits that he tried to retaliate against the surviving Chi household and was stopped by his own children, who fear new consequences and do not share his century-old grief. His explanation centers on Qiuzhi: the brother’s obscurity does not make the loss smaller than Chejing’s. A newly born son gives Yuzhi another attachment, and he seeks to exchange the inherited White Abundance Fan for a useful water gourd and formation supplies. Zhouwei’s warning about the gourd’s lingering hostile imprint prevents a dangerous bargain; after the item is properly dealt with, they complete a fair exchange and part warmly. (Chapters 1260–1261, 1297)

Appearance and personality

Yuzhi has narrow eyes, sharp features, and an extremely thin frame; his graying hair and beard accompany a calm bearing in later life. His hare lip and earlier rat-faced appearance do not reflect his intelligence. He uses obsequiousness and absurdity to survive coercion, while affection for his new child visibly softens his expression. (Chapters 376, 1260–1261)

Abilities and cultivation

The last generation of coerced cultivation

Yuzhi belongs to the final generation forced into the Deng secret technique before Chi Zhiyun eases the restriction after Chi Wei’s death. The lineage uses Moonlit Frosty Qi and Falling Rain Settled Heart, aligned with Supreme Yin and Mansion Water. Earlier generations’ madness explains why others can threaten him through an apparent lack of control, but the private warning to Tongya and later trade negotiations show deliberate judgment. He can seal a conversation with a spell, inspect and move artifacts, and travel as a cultivator; his authority is insufficient to counter sect commands directly. (Chapters 296, 376, 1260–1261)

Relationships

• Deng Qiuzhi: Elder brother whose death grounds his grievance.
• Li Tongya: Receives his private warning and offer of cooperation.
• Li Xuanfeng: Conscription target who later notices the hidden meaning in his conduct.
• Li Zhouwei: Later trading partner who warns him about a dangerous artifact.
• Ning Hejing: Sect superior who humiliates and threatens him. (Chapters 296, 376, 1261, 1297)

Items

Yuzhi brings a letter listing discreet contact locations for Tongya. Later he exchanges the White Abundance Fan, inherited through ancestors who followed the Liang Emperor, for a water gourd after its dangerous association and imprint are addressed. He refuses additional agreed resources once he judges the exchanged artifacts equal in value. (Chapters 296, 1261, 1297)