Zong Yan

Zong Yan is a Son of Diyang who governs Zongquan Island before and after it comes under Li protection. His ingrained submission grows from the effort to preserve an isolated community under demon tribute demands.

Biography

From demon tribute to Li protection

When Yuanjiao arrives, Zong Yan explains that he consumes blood qi to retain enough strength to protect the island, despite knowing it compromises the orthodox path. His submission to the Hui Clan is equally deliberate: by humbling himself before the sea patrol, he can spare some inhabitants from being taken. The islanders’ relief at finding one suitably born child to substitute for many victims horrifies Kongheng. Zong accepts the Li siblings’ protection with gratitude, receives spirit paddies and pills, and begins serving their administration. (Chapters 529–533)

He gathers information for Yuanjiao, keeps detailed accounts and supports Kongheng’s work without turning the island into a temple settlement. Better treatment gradually gives him confidence, although the island’s poor output and dependence on the Dragon Clan keep its finances strained. After Yuanjiao’s death he carefully reports to Qinghong, fearing that a different protector may discard the community. Her continued presence, and Chenghui’s later management, preserve the island as a Li foothold. (Chapters 539, 575–576, 633 and 724)

Years later, Zhouwei finds him white-haired, living alone after a devil cultivator killed his adopted son. Zong’s origins prevent him from seeking an immortal foundation, leaving him stalled at late Qi with only a few decades of expected life. He nevertheless remains composed and continues governing. When Ximing visits, he summons Zhouwei and reports that two promising island children have been sent to the lake for training, hoping that one might eventually return to serve their home. (Chapters 1297 and 1360)

Appearance and personality

His early deference is anxious and ingrained; improved living conditions later bring an upright posture and brighter confidence. By Zhouwei’s return he is white-haired and elderly. He remains fearful of overwhelming power, yet is emotionally steady after his adopted son’s death and persistent in caring for the island. (Chapters 530–533, 633 and 1297)

Abilities and cultivation

As a Son of Diyang born from the Nurturing Springs, Zong cannot have biological children or establish an immortal foundation. He reaches late Qi but cannot overcome that inherent ceiling; he also describes corresponding barriers in Buddhist, devil and talisman paths. His flight, formation management and practical accounts support island governance. Blood qi once supplements his strength, but he recognizes its conflict with orthodox cultivation. His estimate of twenty or thirty remaining years is not a death event. (Chapters 530, 641, 1297 and 1360)

Relationships

• Li Yuanjiao: Protects the island and gives him a humane superior to serve.
• Li Qinghong: Continues Li protection after Yuanjiao’s death.
• Kongheng: Challenges the islanders’ acceptance of sacrificial tribute and oversees their welfare.
• Huiyao: The Hui sea patrol before whom Zong humbles himself to reduce losses.
• Li Chenghui: Later manages the island with Zong assisting.
• Li Zhouwei: Recognizes the elderly administrator and receives his report on the island.
• Adopted son: A foster child killed by a devil cultivator while traveling.

Items

Yuanjiao supplies him with spirit paddies and pills. Zong uses the island’s formation and later crushes a jade talisman to summon Zhouwei when Ximing visits. (Chapters 533, 641 and 1360)