Li Zhouda

Li Zhouda is a fierce, conscientious Thunder Dao cultivator chosen to continue Li Chenghui’s lineage. His courage wins family support, but repeated brushes with death expose the limits of charging into conflicts dominated by greater powers.

Biography

Inheritance and the costs of battle

With Chenghui leaving neither children nor instructions, the family chooses among three possible heirs. Zhouda’s talent, diligence and suitability for Thunder Dao favor him, although Xuanxuan fears that his blunt righteousness and fierce temper will endanger him. He personally petitions to settle the succession and gains Xinghan’s endorsement. His Foundation seclusion lasts so long that rumors of his death spread, but family pills and provisions sustain the effort. Emerging successfully, he celebrates being able to continue the lineage. He later carries six silver command tokens at his waist, suited to his path. (Chapters 1313, 1419 and 1510–1511)

His eagerness to lead a charge proves disastrous when Suiguan’s divine power leaves him with little more than his head. Quewan expends precious resources to keep him alive until Zhouwei reconstructs his bones, flesh and organs with Bright Yang heavenly light. Zhouda thanks his rescuers, but survival brings furious hatred rather than relief. His renewed strength and valuable equipment cannot make such encounters safe. (Chapters 1534–1535)

In the later river war, he fights with lightning-covered axes and a protective bronze bell. When Chen Jinxi calls for help, Zhouda immediately moves the bell to shelter him, but the enemy kills Jinxi before he can reach safety. Zhouda is left holding two shattered teeth that turn into river stones. Wounded and forced to retreat, he carries the remnants away and speaks more quietly about the Chen Family’s losses. The ensuing years of peace allow his injuries to heal and his cultivation to improve. (Chapters 1705–1706 and 1721)

Appearance and personality

Zhouda is burly, bearded and forceful. He is diligent and conscientious but blunt, hot-tempered and poor at conciliatory speech. His reaction to Jinxi’s death shows grief and an instinct to protect even someone with whom he has had strained relations. (Chapters 1313, 1689 and 1705–1706)

Abilities and cultivation

He cultivates Thunder Dao, attaining Foundation after prolonged seclusion supported by family medicines. His six thunder command tokens suit his courageous disposition, while his lightning axes and bell support close fighting and defense. He can contract his muscles to expel embedded arrows. These abilities do not protect him against overwhelming divine power: Zhouwei, rather than Zhouda himself, reconstructs his severed body. An offer to raise him with a talisman pill is a proposed advancement, not proof that he has attained late Foundation. (Chapters 1419, 1510–1511, 1535, 1625 and 1705)

Relationships

• Li Chenghui: The childless elder whose lineage he inherits.
• Li Xuanxuan: Oversees the selection and worries about the dangers of his temper.
• Li Xinghan: Supports his selection because of his diligence and responsibility.
• Li Quewan: Preserves his life after Suiguan’s attack.
• Li Zhouwei: Reconstructs his body with Bright Yang heavenly light.
• Chen Jinxi: Dies before Zhouda’s attempted rescue; Zhouda carries away his shattered teeth.

Items

He carries six silver command tokens at his waist. In the river battle he uses two axes and a bronze bell that flashes with lightning and can be moved to protect another person. (Chapters 1510 and 1705)