Qi

**Qi** is the vital essence that sustains everything in the world. There are five types of qi. In order from most yang to most yin, those types are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Culturally, yin is seen as cold, dark, slow, passive, and feminine, while yang is seen as hot, bright, fast, active, and masculine. Qi can be channeled by people with high enough spirit pressure. When channeled, the user's eyes and qi meridians light up with the color of their qi. People generally have two types of qi: a dominant type that is stronger and easier for them to use, and a secondary type which requires more effort to channel effectively.

## Types of Qi

### Wood

Wood is the most yang type of qi. Its traits are growth and potential. Wood-type qi is strong against Earth and weak against Metal. The color of Wood qi is green.

#### Wood Qi Users

* Dugu Qieluo
* Gao Yizhi (secondary qi)
* Qin Zheng (can access)

### Fire

Fire is the second most yang type of qi. Its traits are power and destruction. Fire-type qi is strong against Metal and weak against Water. The color of Fire qi is red.

Fire-type spirit armor provides its wearer with the ability to fire energy blasts from their hands.

#### Fire Qi Users

* Li Shimin (dominant qi)
* The Moon Rabbit's pilot
* Wu Zetian (secondary qi)
* Qin Zheng (can access)

### Earth

Earth qi is equally yin and yang. Its traits are stability and balance. Earth-type qi is strong against Water and weak against Wood. The color of Earth qi is yellow.

Earth-type spirit armor provides its wearer with enhanced strength.

#### Earth Qi Users

* Gao Yizhi (dominant qi)
* Li Shimin (secondary qi)
* Xing Tian
* Yang Guang
* Qing Zheng (can access)

#### Earth-Type Chrysalises

* Headless Warrior
* Sky Dog
* Yellow Dragon

### Metal

Metal is the second most yin type of qi. Its traits are precision and control. Metal-type qi is strong against Wood and weak against Fire. The color of Metal qi is white.

#### Metal Qi Users

* Wu Zetian (primary qi)
* Qing Zheng (can access)

#### Metal-Type Chrysalises

* Moon Rabbit
* White Tiger

### Water

Water is the most yin type of qi. Its traits are flexibility and adaptability. Water-type qi is strong against Fire and weak against Earth. The color of Water qi is black.

Water qi can be used to lower temperatures or even freeze things solid.

#### Water Qi Users

* Ma Xiuying
* Qin Zheng(primary qi)
* Wang Shicong

## References

1. ↑ Zhao, Xiran Jay (author). (September 21, 2021). *Iron Widow*. Prologue. Penguin Teen.
2. ↑ Zhao, Xiran Jay (author). (September 21, 2021). *Iron Widow*. Part I: Way of the Fox. Chapter Four: Ready to Serve. Penguin Teen.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Zhao, Xiran Jay (author). (September 21, 2021). *Iron Widow*. Part I: Way of the Fox. Chapter Eight: Welcome to your Nightmare. Penguin Teen.
4. ↑ Zhao, Xiran Jay (author). (September 21, 2021). *Iron Widow*. Part II: Way of the Bird. Chapter Twenty-Four: The Tigress. Penguin Teen.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Zhao, Xiran Jay (author). (September 21, 2021). *Iron Widow*. Part II: Way of the Bird. Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Strongest Shape. Penguin Teen.
6. ↑ Zhao, Xiran Jay (author). (September 21, 2021). *Iron Widow*. Part II: Way of the Bird. Chapter Ten: Iron Demon. Penguin Teen.
7. ↑ Zhao, Xiran Jay (author). (September 21, 2021). *Iron Widow*. Part III: Way of the Snake. Chapter Thirty-Six: The Crown. Penguin Teen.
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Zhao, Xiran Jay (author). (September 21, 2021). *Iron Widow*. Part II: Way of the Bird. Chapter Sixteen: The Crownless King, the Heartless Queen. Penguin Teen.
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Zhao, Xiran Jay (author). (September 21, 2021). *Iron Widow*. Part I: Way of the Fox. Chapter Five: Fatal Mistake. Penguin Teen.
10. ↑ Zhao, Xiran Jay (author). (September 21, 2021). *Iron Widow*. Part III: Way of the Snake. Chapter Thirty-Four: Ever-Growing hit List. Penguin Teen.