Qu Buzhi

Qu Buzhi is an Eastern Sea cultivator whose expertise in earth veins and spirit fields earns him shelter and continuing employment with the Li Family.

Biography

Making himself useful to an immortal family

After Floating Cloud Cave’s destruction, the wounded Buzhi fears punishment for having served Fu Dou. He pleads that his Concealed Containment Palace technique feeds on long-buried corpses rather than living people, presenting himself as a harmless cultivator caught under a treacherous master. Zhouwei puts his practical skills to work in the conquered territory. Buzhi pledges loyalty, surveys its fields and advises on irrigation, formation improvements and the danger posed by a blood-food-demanding serpent. He learns that Li control leaves little room to arrange private benefits for his own acquaintances. (Chapters 1044, 1046, 1058 and 1074)

He becomes a dependable specialist, later reorganizing the lake’s field classifications and teaching disciples. His worldly judgment also serves Jiangqian’s northern affairs: he gathers news through tavern conversation and maintains contacts with the Capital Immortal Dao. That usefulness does not make him scrupulous. When he believes Jiangqian wants a scapegoat, he proposes drawing a reckless outer-sea cultivator into killing and treasure theft so that the resulting trouble can be disposed of with the man. His value lies in practical expertise and observation, while his weakness in combat repeatedly exposes him to injury. (Chapters 1176, 1273, 1325 and 1334)

During the Azure Pond fighting, a divine ability leaves the lower half of his body as white bone before he even understands he has been struck. Zhouming carries him toward safety, and a Daoist Master’s intervention restores his lower limbs. Buzhi resumes service rather than seeking a new martial role; years later, he welcomes another generation of Li children and alerts Minggong that Jiangzong has emerged from seclusion and wants to see her. (Chapters 1534–1535 and 1609)

Appearance and personality

He is a tall, thin elder with white hair and a youthful face. He flatters prospective patrons, quickly reads changes in their mood and adapts his conduct to their expectations. Terror can overwhelm that composure when he encounters powers beyond his understanding. (Chapters 1044, 1058 and 1534)

Abilities and cultivation

Buzhi has an Earth Virtue immortal foundation, Concealed Containment Palace. He says its devil technique draws sustenance from decayed bodies long buried underground and denies consuming living people. Its practical strengths are arranging earth veins, nurturing spirit fields and estimating agricultural yields; he explains how water-vein adjustment and formations can increase output. His foundation is poorly suited to combat, leaving him at a disadvantage against strong opponents. The restoration of his limbs after the Azure Pond disaster is another cultivator’s intervention, not demonstrated personal regeneration. (Chapters 1044, 1074, 1273 and 1534–1535)

Relationships

• Li Zhouwei: Employs him after Floating Cloud Cave’s fall and evaluates his field surveys. (Chapters 1046 and 1074)
• Li Jiangqian: Uses his northern contacts and practical advice. (Chapters 1273 and 1325)
• Ding Weizeng: A friend from Floating Cloud Cave whose new treatment helps him understand Li control. (Chapters 1046 and 1074)
• Li Zhouming: Carries him away after a divine ability damages his body. (Chapters 1534–1535)
• Li Minggong: A senior Li administrator to whom he brings news. (Chapters 1176 and 1609)

Items

His field and land records support Li administration. No personal named weapon or distinctive treasure is established. (Chapter 1074)