Li Chengfu

Li Chengfu, formerly Ye Chengfu, is the mortal father of Li Qiuyang. His son’s spiritual aptitude allows the household to restore the Li surname, and Chengfu helps turn that opportunity into a secure place within the clan through discretion and useful service. (Chapters 23–27, 114)

Biography

Returning a branch to the family

Chengfu is Li Mutian’s nephew and initially works the village fields under the Ye surname. His pleasant manner conceals a keen assessment of power: after Changhu’s murder he judges that the surviving Li sons’ severity will make their family dominant. When the clan tests children for spiritual orifices, he brings Qiuyang and anxiously waits for the result. The discovery of his son’s aptitude gives him visible joy. Father and son offer incense in the ancestral hall, restore their Li surname, and separate as Qiuyang leaves to cultivate. Mutian also orders Chengfu’s household moved to the main family’s village. (Chapters 8, 17, 23–24)

The return changes how villagers treat Chengfu, but he avoids using it merely for display. He remains cautious toward Liu Linfeng, recognizing that a temporarily disgraced man’s old ties may still matter. Charged with helping build a mountain courtyard, he rebuffs questions about the work because Li Yesheng has demanded secrecy. He sees Qiuyang’s prospects and the Li Family’s interests as inseparable, keeps his other sons from creating trouble, and makes himself useful to the clan. His inquiries about Xuanxuan’s cultivation also show an enduring interest in how his son stands within the developing household. (Chapters 27, 65, 114)

Chengfu grows gray-haired and slightly stooped while continuing ordinary family work. Qiuyang returns several months before his father’s death, allowing Chengfu to hold his hand before dying peacefully in bed. The main family sends representatives to the funeral. Qiuyang remembers both the father who took him “to seek immortals” and the clever man who could laughingly rank himself beside Mutian and Chen Erniu among the village’s capable people. Chengfu leaves behind a branch whose prosperity grew through his son’s cultivation and his own management of mortal affairs. (Chapters 65, 114)

Appearance and personality

He initially presents an honest face and a pleasant manner, later becoming gray-haired and slightly hunched. He is observant, tactful, proud of his son, and careful about secrecy. His enjoyment of improved status does not stop him from respecting relationships that may outlast a rival’s temporary disgrace. (Chapters 8, 17, 27, 65)

Abilities and cultivation

Chengfu has no established cultivation realm. His contribution is practical: reading changes in village authority, managing his household, supporting construction, and protecting confidential family work. Qiuyang’s spiritual orifice belongs to his son. (Chapters 23–27, 114)

Relationships

• Li Qiuyang: His son. Chengfu brings him for testing, supports his move into cultivation, and protects his interests within the household. Qiuyang returns in time for his father’s final farewell. (Chapters 23–24, 114)
• Li Mutian: His uncle, whose family welcomes the restored branch and directs its relocation. (Chapters 8, 24)
• Li Yesheng: Entrusts him with confidential construction work. Chengfu also discusses the young family head’s cultivation with him. (Chapters 27, 65)
• Liu Linfeng: A fellow villager whose recovery from disgrace confirms Chengfu’s caution about established ties. (Chapter 27)

Items

His hoe, construction work, and wine bowl belong to his mortal village life. No named magical possession is established. (Chapters 8, 27, 114)