Looked at some pictures of Detective Dee movies - as I didn't know anything about it - and yes, indeed they look very valid! I have to watch this movie now:) And if Detective Dee is anything like Sherlock I think him learning alchemy and experimenting with some substances to support his investigations would feel very thematic to add to this character. So I'm even more inclined to go with this:) Thanks for the reference!
I saw the trailer for phantom flame. Lol... what a ridiculous movie it has to be... love it... Especially liked the part when he was "on the case" ;) So... I think it is fixed... now... Li will drift towards this character. But it looks that I have to rise his fighting and add some acrobatics too... :D
Li is the Minkai version of Detective Dee; more honour bound, excellent swordsman and master of Katana (maybe a bit less Kung Fu as he is from Minkai), more inner monologue and thirst to chase a case to the bitter end at the cost of his own detriment. Oh, and alchemy helps in solving cases.