Yao Lao

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Yao Lao (藥老)
Alias(es)	Senior Alchemist; Teacher
Species/Race	Soul body
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Master of Xiao Yan and Yun Shu
Occupation/Role	Alchemist; mentor
First Appearance	Chapter 25

Background / History

Yao Lao resides within the ring Xiao Yan has worn since childhood. Before revealing himself, he secretly absorbs Xiao Yan's Dou Qi, causing Xiao Yan's long-term cultivation regression. When Xiao Yan and Yun Shu identify the ring as the source, Yao Lao admits his actions and offers to help Xiao Yan recover his cultivation. 25

He reveals himself as an alchemist far surpassing Gu He and accepts both Xiao Yan and Yun Shu as disciples after their apprenticeship rites. Yao Lao assesses Yun Shu as substantially stronger and more accomplished than Xiao Yan at the time, but commits to training both: Xiao Yan toward Dou Zhe and Yun Shu toward Peak Second-Rank alchemy. 26

Over time, he guides Yun Shu's pill refinement and Xiao Yan's cultivation, teaches both disciples combat techniques, and supports their search for Strange Fires. He later reveals that he is an Eighth-Rank Alchemist. 27 29 38

Personality

Yao Lao is knowledgeable, sharp-tongued, and occasionally smug. He initially interferes with Yun Shu's attempt to expose him by temporarily stopping his absorption of Xiao Yan's Dou Qi, amused by Yun Shu's frustration. 25

Despite his teasing and scolding, he is invested in his disciples' growth. He personally refines Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid for Xiao Yan, patiently supervises Yun Shu through repeated alchemy failures, and worries when Yun Shu attempts a dangerous breakthrough. 27 39

He is increasingly puzzled by Yun Shu's extraordinary fortune and rapid growth, yet continues to trust him. 113

Abilities & Skills

Eighth-Rank Alchemy

Yao Lao is an Eighth-Rank Alchemist with alchemical knowledge and refinement skill far above the level initially claimed by Yun Shu.

• Refines Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid using Strange Fire without a medicine cauldron. 27
• Refines a Sixth-Rank Po E Pill for Hai Bo Dong and adds a concealed additional effect at Yun Shu's request. 77 78
• His presence and capability intimidate Hai Bo Dong, influencing the latter to honor his agreement to protect Yun Shu. 79
• Identifies the Earth Fire Lotus Seed as a treasure that can increase strength, improve fire-type Dou Qi control, and indirectly benefit alchemy. 77

Soul Perception

As a soul body, Yao Lao can sense energy fluctuations and detect significant phenomena.

• Detects Yun Shu's approaching breakthrough from Dou Zhe to Dou Shi through the violent gathering of natural energy. 38
• Senses the Strange Fire beneath the magma lake after Xiao Yan clears the blocked route. 80
• Recognizes a broken auction map as part of the Purification Lotus Demon Fire map. 112

Mentorship and Technique Instruction

Yao Lao trains Xiao Yan and Yun Shu according to their differing needs and abilities.

• Directs Yun Shu in gathering the ingredients for Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid. 26
• Guides Yun Shu through refining Second-Rank pills; Yun Shu succeeds after nearly thirty failures. 27
• Teaches Xiao Yan Absorption Palm and oversees his body-tempering regimen. 29
• Teaches both disciples the Profound Rank Middle Level technique, Mystic Iron Heavy Strike. 50
• Provides knowledge on the requirements and preparation necessary to absorb a Strange Fire. 47

Equipment / Items

• Xiao Yan's ring — Yao Lao's place of residence before and after revealing himself. 25
• Strange Fire — Used to refine Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid without a medicine cauldron. 27

Relationships

• Xiao Yan — Disciple. Yao Lao initially absorbs his Dou Qi, then becomes his mentor and helps restore his path of cultivation. 25 26 27
• Yun Shu — Disciple. Yao Lao is impressed by Yun Shu's composure and talent, teaches him alchemy and techniques, but finds his unusual luck difficult to understand. 26 27 50 113
• Hai Bo Dong — Yao Lao refines the Po E Pill needed to break Hai Bo Dong's seal and uses Yun Shu's body to ensure his protection agreement. 78 79
• Gu He — Yao Lao presents himself as an alchemist far superior to Gu He when offering to accept disciples. 26

Story Role / Major Arcs

Awakening and Apprenticeship

Yao Lao's emergence from Xiao Yan's ring resolves the mystery of Xiao Yan's disappearing Dou Qi. After admitting responsibility, he takes Xiao Yan and Yun Shu as disciples and begins directing their cultivation and alchemy training. 25 26

Early Training

He refines Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid for Xiao Yan and instructs Yun Shu in the same refinement process. He later reveals his Eighth-Rank status, teaches Xiao Yan Absorption Palm, and supervises the brothers' continued advancement. 27 29

Strange Fire Preparations

Yao Lao explains the importance of Strange Fires to Xiao Yan's Flame Devouring Art, outlines materials required to absorb them, and guides the group toward the Strange Fire beneath the magma lake. 38 47 80

Po E Pill Agreement

At Yun Shu's request, Yao Lao refines a Sixth-Rank Po E Pill for Hai Bo Dong, adding an undisclosed safeguard so Yun Shu can secure Hai Bo Dong's protection for one year. 77 78 79

Black-Corner Region Auction

Yao Lao identifies a broken map at auction as a fragment connected to the Purification Lotus Demon Fire, confirming its exceptional significance to Yun Shu and Xiao Yan. 112