Yao Lao

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Yao Lao (药老)
Alias(es)	Yao Chen; Old Man Yao; Medicine Dust; Venerable Yao
Gender	Male
Species/Race	Human soul body / remnant soul
Occupation/Role	Eighth-Rank Alchemist; Xiao Yan's teacher
Affiliation	Xiao Yan; later remains with Xiao Bai at Purple Firmament Palace pending resurrection
Status	Undergoing revival into a new physical body
First Appearance	Chapter 22

Background / History

Yao Lao was once a Dou Zong and later a peak Dou Zun, as well as a renowned Eighth-Rank Alchemist. His soul strength reached the peak of the Spirit Realm. Despite his origins in the Yao Clan, he states that his achievements were earned largely through his own efforts. 23 85 347 376

His former disciple, Han Feng, betrayed him and collaborated with the Hall of Souls, destroying Yao Lao's body and leaving his soul trapped for years. Han Feng's betrayal made Yao Lao cautious about accepting another disciple. 24 251

As a remnant soul within Xiao Yan's black ring, Yao Lao secretly observed Xiao Yan for years. He also watched Xiao Bai from an early age, but an attempt to probe Xiao Bai's soul triggered a black-red thunderbolt that forced him into slumber for two months; afterward, he concealed himself whenever Xiao Bai was nearby. 1 22

Xiao Bai exposed Yao Lao's presence with lightning in the ring. After a tense first meeting with Xiao Yan, Yao Lao accepted him as a disciple, judging his character and potential worthy despite his own past betrayal. 22 24

Yao Lao later negotiated with Xiao Bai: Xiao Bai would provide a mature Heavenly Flame, while Yao Lao would offer his Eighth-Rank Alchemist inheritance and a method for revival. Their relationship developed from wary bargaining into mutual respect and friendship. 23 41 133

After learning that Han Feng was alive in Maple City, Yao Lao renewed his desire for revenge but declined Xiao Bai's offer of direct help, preferring to settle the grievance himself. 251

Xiao Bai eventually located a suitable body and proposed using Dou Sheng bones and high-tier Magical Beast Essence Blood to allow Yao Lao to potentially reach the Half-Saint realm after revival. Yao Lao's resurrection process begins with Lei Yu's body, Half-Saint Essence Blood, and Dou Sheng bones. 347 401 403

Appearance

When manifested from Xiao Yan's ring, Yao Lao appears as a hazy elderly soul in a blue robe, with white hair, a small beard, and the composed bearing of a grandmaster. 22

• White-haired elderly appearance.
• Usually manifests as an ethereal, illusory soul body.
• Often strokes his beard while speaking or evaluating others.
• His soul body is especially vulnerable to powerful lightning, particularly lightning with soul-targeting effects. 44 56

Personality

Yao Lao is experienced, perceptive, and blunt. He can be stern with Xiao Yan, demanding that his disciple obtain his own medicinal ingredients and prioritize cultivation over relying on powerful connections. 25 174

He is also playful and fond of teasing, especially when Xiao Yan is being shameless or Xiao Bai is behaving audaciously. Though he frequently complains about Xiao Bai's lack of restraint, he respects Xiao Bai's intelligence, talent, and willingness to help others. 35 85 264

The betrayal by Han Feng left Yao Lao guarded, but he remains deeply protective of Xiao Yan. He ultimately encourages Xiao Yan to travel and grow independently once Xiao Yan reaches Three-Star Dou Zong. 24 348

Abilities & Skills

Alchemy

An Eighth-Rank Alchemist with extensive knowledge of medicinal properties, pill refinement, soul-recovery resources, and revival methods. 23 36 209

• Assigned Xiao Yan medicinal materials for cultivation and pill refinement. 25
• Identified the unusual qualities of Xiao Bai's Blood Coagulation Powder after initially dismissing it. 36
• Explained that the Seven Illusions Azure Spirit Saliva could be refined rather than crudely consumed. 209
• Prepared a recommendation letter and token to help Xiao Bai gain the Pill Tower's trust. 264

Soul Strength

Yao Lao is a remnant soul whose strength is identified as peak Spirit Realm. His condition limits his direct combat ability and makes him vulnerable to certain lightning techniques. 23 44 56

• Explains the Mortal, Spirit, Heaven, and Emperor divisions of soul strength. 133
• Warns Xiao Bai that Soul Strength lacks the amplification provided by high Dou Qi cultivation. 132 133
• Uses Soul Strength to engrave a restricted message into a jade slip. 264
• Can manifest from Xiao Yan's ring and interact directly with others. 22

Flame Manipulation

Yao Lao wields pale white flame and can use it against enemies targeting his soul. 230

• Repelled Wu Protector's attacking chain with pale white flame. 230
• Stored Wu Protector within a jade bottle sealed by pale white flame. 239

Cultivation Guidance

Yao Lao serves as Xiao Yan's primary mentor and also offers occasional advice to Xiao Bai. 24 133

• Guides Xiao Yan's cultivation method evolution. 174
• Assists Xiao Yan in refining the Hai Xin Flame. 263
• Explains multi-attribute cultivation and the limitations of relying on soul power. 132 133
• Advises Xiao Bai on alchemy and pharmacology. 37

Relationships

• Xiao Yan — Disciple. Yao Lao observed him for years before accepting him as his student; their relationship grows into a deeply loyal teacher-student bond. 22 24 348 401
• Xiao Bai — Friend, ally, and benefactor. Their first interactions are wary, but Yao Lao later advises him, assists his plans, and relies on him for resurrection. 22 23 133 347 403
• Han Feng — Former disciple who betrayed Yao Lao, destroyed his body, and joined the Hall of Souls. 251
• Wind Venerable (Feng Xian) — Old friend who is grateful to Xiao Bai for protecting Yao Lao after learning of his ordeal. 264 347
• Xuan Yi — Old acquaintance who continued searching for Yao Lao after his disappearance; Yao Lao admits he failed her affection in his youth. 264 318
• Heavenly Flame Yao — Fellow soul body and later companion. The two bond over discussing alchemy and Dou Skills. 264 265
• Xiao Xun Er — Initially wary of Yao Lao when he first appears from the ring. 22

Story Role / Major Arcs

Emergence from the Black Ring

Xiao Bai forces Yao Lao to reveal himself from Xiao Yan's ring. Xiao Yan confronts him over the years of lost cultivation, while Yao Lao confirms that he had been observing him. 22

Taking Xiao Yan as a Disciple

Following discussion with Xiao Bai, Yao Lao accepts Xiao Yan as his disciple. He begins directing Xiao Yan's cultivation while maintaining a strict and often comedic teacher-student dynamic. 24 25

Alliance with Xiao Bai

Yao Lao agrees to assist Xiao Bai in acquiring a mature Heavenly Flame in exchange for an alchemist inheritance and revival method. He later becomes a trusted adviser in Xiao Bai's journeys and negotiations. 23 24 41

Conflict with the Hall of Souls

Yao Lao directly clashes with Wu Protector at Yun Lan Sect, revealing the continuing hostility between him and the Hall of Souls. His history with Han Feng further establishes the long-term danger posed by that faction. 230 231 251

Pill Tower Connection

Yao Lao provides Xiao Bai with a restricted letter of recommendation for Xuan Yi, allowing Xiao Bai to establish contact with the Pill Tower's leadership and pursue the Three Thousand Burning Flame. 264 318

Preparation for Resurrection

After Xiao Bai finds a body and gathers revival resources, Yao Lao remains at Purple Firmament Palace while Xiao Yan trains independently. He agrees to Xiao Bai's ambitious plan to use Dou Sheng bones and other materials to pursue Half-Saint strength after revival. 347 348 401 403

Trivia

• Xiao Bai once attempted to trade a Heavenly Flame for Yao Lao's Eighth-Rank Alchemist inheritance at only fifteen years old and while merely a Dou Master. 360
• Yao Lao repeatedly regrets that Xiao Bai never became his disciple, while remaining satisfied with Xiao Yan. 347 402
• Xiao Bai's thunder once put Yao Lao into a two-month slumber after Yao Lao tried to examine his soul. 22