Hengli

Hengli is a Daoist Master of Hengzhu known both for his artifact smithing and for a long, fierce hostility toward Buddhist cultivators. He speaks generously when building alliances, but old grudges can quickly pull him into combat. (Chapters 847, 1022–1023, 1038)

Biography

A feud with Buddhist cultivators

Hengli’s hatred of Buddhist cultivators stems from an old humiliation: after Murong Xia seduced a direct disciple of Hengzhu, three Purple Mansion elders failed to avenge her. When Hengli encounters the Buddhist monk Five-Eyed, he attacks and pursues him with the fury expected of someone carrying both old and new grievances. He later turns back from a wider struggle to chase Chengyan, again choosing a personal pursuit over the scramble for advantage. (Chapters 847, 890)

Artisan and combative ally

Hengli also maintains relations through his craft. He visits Li Ximing after Ximing’s breakthrough, confirms that the Nine-Colored Profound Mercury entrusted to Hengzhu is being returned, and offers to forge him a dharma artifact. At the same time, his rivalry with Tianque makes even a cordial gathering tense. When Hengzhu enters the northern conflict to aid its allies, Hengli joins Hengxing and attacks with crimson talismans and blades; the sight of Changxiao later reignites his urge to fight. (Chapters 1022, 1038, 1429, 1431)

Appearance and personality

Hengli has thick brows, large eyes, and a broad-lapelled robe embroidered with runes and scarlet talismans. He is hearty and warm when greeting allies, but famously combative and stubborn in a grudge. (Chapters 1022, 1038, 1429)

Abilities and cultivation

Hengli is a Daoist Master and one of Jiangnan’s foremost artifact smiths. He offers to forge dharma artifacts and arrives at the northern battle able to seize two long blades from the great void and fight amid fire and crimson talismans. His combativeness is especially apparent against Buddhist cultivators and old rivals. (Chapters 1022, 1038, 1429)

Relationships

• Hengzhu Dao Gate: Hengli represents the gate in diplomatic visits and joins its forces when it intervenes in the northern conflict. (Chapters 1022, 1429)
• Buddhist cultivators: He bears a deep grudge against them and attacks Five-Eyed when their paths cross. (Chapter 847)
• Hengxing: He joins Hengxing in supporting their allies, despite the gate’s earlier intention not to intervene. (Chapter 1429)
• Li Ximing: Hengli offers to forge a dharma artifact for Ximing and returns a material entrusted to Hengzhu. (Chapters 1022–1023, 1038)

Items

Hengli is seen with crimson talismans and two long blades during battle. He also presents Li Ximing with a jade bottle, though the bottle’s contents are not specified. (Chapters 1038, 1429)