Pu Yu

Pu Yu is the Quhai Sect master of Penglai, known for divination, yin and yang, and the handling of souls. His refined courtesy masks an appetite for unusual bodies and hidden knowledge, but his expertise also offers others a chance to preserve what death would otherwise take.

Biography

Divination, mediation and preservation of a soul

Pu Yu visits Yuan Su and studies Xuanfeng’s exceptional body, openly asking whether the older Daoist intends to inhabit it. Yuan Su refuses such arts and remains cautious around a visitor who understands life and death too well. Pu Yu predicts Yuanwu’s approaching end and later confirms that his estimate missed by only a month. During Shangyuan’s ascension, he recognizes the fusion of divine ability and immortal body, calculates despite blood appearing on his hands and understands that the new True Monarch changes the prospects of cultivators across the seas. (Chapters 690–691, 713 and 717)

After Yuan Su dies, Pu Yu intervenes in the dispute over the Xinyou Lucid Marsh Seal, insisting that it belongs first to the deceased master’s descendants. He accepts temporary custody to mediate between Yuan Xiu and Zipei and accompanies them to Purple Smoke Gate. His calculations and knowledge help secure the relic for the Ning Family, while he recognizes Yuan Su’s careful arrangements to protect Xuanfeng. He remains a useful mediator whose curiosity about rare inheritances accompanies every negotiation. (Chapters 721–723 and 729)

Tu Longjian later calls on him to preserve Xijun’s soul after the fatal ordeal. Their longstanding relationship was built around the hope of saving Longjian’s lost friend; Xijun’s case is an unexpected opportunity to use those preparations. Pu Yu accepts valuable cold-essence materials and returns to Penglai to prepare a suitable body. He senses that the soul is tethered to fate and plans to examine it, while considering how his Underworld contacts might help locate Longjian’s kin. He is subsequently seen calculating beside the ritual cauldron, with the soul’s jade box beneath the water. (Chapters 928–929 and 934)

Appearance and personality

Pu Yu manifests as a handsome young man in blue-and-white robes, with slightly feminine beauty and a gentle, crescent-eyed smile. His polished manners coexist with probing questions, concealed calculation and interest in bodies and souls that makes even other Daoist Masters wary. (Chapters 690–691, 713 and 929)

Abilities and cultivation

He is a Purple Mansion cultivator skilled in manipulating yin and yang, perceiving life and death and performing divination. His calculations can draw blood, which he turns into mana and uses to continue. He can intercept and preserve a soul outside its body, particularly when the deceased has neither divine abilities nor a name on the rolls. His Penglai arts can prepare an immortal body using compatible spirit materials, but the scenes surrounding Xijun show preservation and ritual preparation rather than a completed reconstruction. His contacts with the Underworld extend his access to information without making Judge Yang’s powers his own. (Chapters 691, 722, 928–929 and 934)

Relationships

• Yuan Su: A cautious acquaintance whose death and inheritance draw him into mediation.
• Li Xuanfeng: His unusual body and fate attract Pu Yu’s attention.
• Shangyuan: His ascension becomes an occasion for Pu Yu’s calculations and recognition.
• Zipei: Entrusts the disputed seal to his mediation alongside Yuan Xiu.
• Tu Longjian: A longtime friend whose preparations enable Xijun’s soul preservation.
• Li Xijun: His preserved soul becomes the subject of Pu Yu’s ritual preparations.
• Judge Yang: A frequent Penglai guest and possible source of information about souls.

Items

He temporarily holds the Xinyou Lucid Marsh Seal while mediating its custody. For Xijun’s ritual, he accepts Gaoxuan Bright Frost and keeps a silver-lit jade box inside a large cauldron filled with dark gray water. (Chapters 722, 929 and 934)