Old Yao

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Yao Chen (药尘)
Alias(es)	Old Yao; Venerable Yao; Saint Yao
Species/Race	Human; formerly of the Yao Clan
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Heavenly Court; Star Fall Pavilion; formerly the Yao Clan
Occupation/Role	Alchemist; mentor of Xiao Qing; master of Yao Ling; Hall Master of the Heavenly Court Alchemy Hall; guide of Star Fall Pavilion
Status	Alive; resurrected
First Appearance	Chapter 6

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Remnant soul	6	Resided in an ancient black ring after losing his body; revealed himself to Xiao Qing and accepted him as a disciple.
Stabilized soul form	65	Recovered from severe Soul Origin damage after absorbing Soul-Warming Spirit Liquid; remained dependent on the ring while rebuilding his strength.
Resurrected body, potential to reach Dou Saint	110	Xiao Qing used a high-level Dou Saint Skeleton, Heavenly Demon Phoenix essence blood, and an eighth-grade seven-colored Bone-Growing Blood-Melting Pill to reshape his body.
Dou Saint	113	Fully resurrected and ascended to the Saint realm, releasing pressure across the Star Realm and surrounding regions.
Late-stage Two-Star Dou Saint	114	Stabilized his cultivation after resurrection.
Early Three-Star Dou Saint	242	Broke through after resolving long-held obsessions regarding the Yao Clan.
Mid-stage Three-Star Dou Saint	303	His cultivation was stable and showed signs of approaching the late stage.
Seven-Star Dou Saint	441	Advanced rapidly over the following years; his soul realm had touched the edge of the Emperor Realm.

Background / History

Yao Chen was born into the Yao Clan with a thin, diluted Emperor Dou Bloodline. Treated as worthless in a clan that placed bloodline above individual talent, he lost access to resources despite his aptitude for alchemy. After his parents died for the clan, their names were erased from the Ancestral Tablet; Yao Chen was later expelled after being blamed for a failed herb-gathering mission caused by an elder's altered route. 241

Outside the clan, he rose through his own ability to become the renowned number-one alchemist of the Central Plains, an eighth-tier alchemy grandmaster, and one of the founders of Star Fall Pavilion. He obtained the Burning Mantra during a life-or-death expedition with Xuan Yi and Feng Xian. 6 7

His former personal disciple Han Feng betrayed him alongside Soul Hall elder Mu Gu. Han Feng poisoned Yao Chen while he was refining a pill, destroying his body and severely damaging his soul; Yao Chen survived only by attaching himself to the Bone Flame Ring. 105 115

After observing Xiao Qing’s cultivation and character in secret for more than two months, Yao Chen revealed himself and accepted Xiao Qing as his disciple. He recognized Xiao Qing’s fire-and-wood Dou Qi affinity, extraordinary soul talent, and Emperor Dou Bloodline. 6

Xiao Qing later nourished Yao Chen’s damaged soul, avenged him by dealing with Han Feng, and ultimately reconstructed his body. Yao Chen’s resurrection allowed him to ascend directly to the Dou Saint realm. 65 110 113 115

After the Heavenly Court’s establishment, Old Yao became the Hall Master of its Alchemy Hall. He developed the hall into a major center of pill refinement and exchange by combining the alchemy traditions of the Dou Qi Continent with those of the Great Thousand World. 441 703

Appearance

In soul form, Old Yao appeared as a transparent elderly man with white hair and beard, clear but weathered features, and simple ancient robes. His bearing combined gentleness and elegance with the lingering majesty of a former powerhouse. 6

• White hair and beard. 6
• Profound, world-weary eyes associated with great experience and wisdom. 6
• Usually wears plain white robes after resurrection. 133 135
• His restrained presence is described as returning to simplicity despite his Saint-level strength. 135
• Even after reaching Seven-Star Dou Saint, he retains his elderly appearance, though his complexion is healthy and his presence carries dense soul fluctuations. 441

Personality

Old Yao is composed, dignified, and deeply proud of his accomplishments without being needlessly arrogant. He treats Xiao Qing’s apprenticeship with sincerity and promises to pass on everything he knows. 6

He carries lasting pain from Han Feng’s betrayal and the Yao Clan’s rejection, but generally responds to provocation with restraint. When Yao Wangui insults him at the Yao Clan ceremony, Old Yao remains calm despite their centuries-old grievance. 83 245

He is protective of those he considers family. He is fond of Zi Yan, guides Yao Tianhuo and Wind Venerable after his resurrection, and reacts fiercely when the Soul Hall targets Xiao Qing. 95 117 153

Old Yao remains devoted to alchemy even after reaching the pinnacle of the Dou Qi Continent. At the Alchemy God Clan, he patiently analyzed unfamiliar refining methods, absorbed their strengths into his own system, and continued seeking improvement through exchange and observation. 557 559

Abilities & Skills

Alchemy

Old Yao was formerly an eighth-tier alchemy grandmaster and one of the most celebrated alchemists in the Central Plains. His later attainment and soul strength allow him to discuss and innovate around Tier 9 pill refinement. 6 136

• Identified Xiao Qing’s fire-and-wood affinity as ideal for alchemy. 6
• Offered to teach Xiao Qing the complete path of alchemy. 6
• Possesses profound fire-control ability; Venerable Skyfire praises his mastery and his Five-Wheel Separation Flame Technique. 103
• Earned the Little Pill Tower’s respect through his alchemical insight and discussions of Tier 8 and Tier 9 pills. 136
• Was regarded as a ninth-tier alchemist after entering the Dou Saint realm. 137
• Successfully refined the Tier 9 Treasure Pill, the Fire Bodhi Pill, with Fire Cloud Ancestor assisting him against the Pill Lightning. 164
• Reached the level of a Ninth-Grade Profound Pill grandmaster and was capable of refining pills at the peak of that grade. 441
• During the Alchemy God Clan’s Millennium Grand Ceremony, he refined the Nine-Turn Yin-Yang Pill and placed third in the Sovereign Realm alchemy competition. 559
• Studied the Alchemy God Clan’s pill-pattern-based fire control and incorporated the techniques he learned into his own alchemy system. 557 559

Soul Arts

Even while existing as a remnant soul, Old Yao could perceive events, communicate through the Bone Flame Ring, and provide spiritual guidance. 6 95

• Used soul power to inspect Xiao Qing’s cultivation and assess his foundation. 65
• Warned Xiao Qing about Soul Hall techniques, soul self-destruction, and information transmission. 102
• Was targeted by a Soul Hall technique specifically intended to damage souls, but repelled it with superior strength after resurrection. 134
• His soul realm later touched the threshold of the Emperor Realm, greatly reinforcing both his alchemical perception and spiritual pressure. 441

Dou Saint Combat

After resurrection, Old Yao became a late-stage Two-Star Dou Saint whose strength exceeded the expectations of the Soul Hall and the Pill Tower’s elders. He later advanced to Seven-Star Dou Saint. 114 134 136 441

• Overwhelmed the Great Heavenly Venerable’s soul-damaging attack. 134
• Injured the Great Heavenly Venerable and forced the Soul Hall’s forces to retreat. 134
• His aura alone became a stabilizing deterrent for Star Fall Pavilion and a major factor in Central Plains politics. 114 117
• Can open stable spatial rifts for travel. 118
• Fought alongside Fire Cloud Ancestor against the Soul Hall’s Vice Hall Master despite still adjusting to the body Xiao Qing had reconstructed for him. 213

Mentorship

Old Yao is an experienced teacher who adapts his guidance to each student or ally’s needs.

• Trained Xiao Qing in alchemy, cultivation techniques, and advanced Dou Qi application. 6 10
• Helped Yao Tianhuo master his resurrected body and improve his Dou Qi control. 117
• Used his Saint-level perspective to identify Wind Venerable’s path toward the Half-Saint realm. 117
• Created a training plan for Qing Lin involving soul-control methods and Snake Tribe secret arts. 224
• Took in Yao Ling, a surviving Yao Clan prodigy with exceptional alchemy and soul-cultivation talent. 441
• Guided Cao Ying’s alchemy development as Xiao Qing’s grand-teacher and accompanied her in studying the Alchemy God Clan’s techniques. 240 557
• Carefully instructed Yao Ling in both alchemy and soul cultivation, emphasizing patience as the foremost principle of soul cultivation. 444

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Bone Flame Ring — Ancient black ring that housed Old Yao’s remnant soul after his body was destroyed. 65 115
• Black Demon Cauldron — Old Yao’s high-grade medicine cauldron, used in his demonstrations and in the refinement of the Fire Bodhi Pill. 17 164
• Burning Mantra — A theoretically infinitely evolving cultivation method beginning at Yellow-tier low-level; acquired by Old Yao, Xuan Yi, and Feng Xian in an ancient ruin. 7
• Five-Wheel Separation Flame Technique — Fire technique created by Old Yao, said to possess power comparable to a Heaven-tier Dou Technique. 103

Relationships

• Xiao Qing — Personal disciple; Xiao Qing restored Old Yao’s soul, avenged Han Feng, resurrected him, and helped him attain the Saint realm. Old Yao openly takes pride in his disciple’s achievements. 6 110 115
• Han Feng — Former personal disciple and betrayer; poisoned Old Yao and destroyed his original body while Old Yao was refining a pill. 83 115
• Xuan Yi — Old friend and implied romantic partner; their reunion develops into a renewed relationship after Old Yao’s resurrection. 114 116 240
• Wind Venerable (Feng Xian) — Longtime friend and Star Fall Pavilion ally; supported Old Yao’s return and receives his cultivation guidance. 105 113 117
• Venerable Skyfire (Yao Tianhuo) — Fellow formerly bodiless soul; Old Yao respects his fire-control mastery and later guides him after resurrection. 103 117
• Fire Cloud Ancestor — Ally and fellow Dou Saint; assisted Old Yao in refining the Fire Bodhi Pill and fought at his side against the Soul Hall’s Vice Hall Master. 164 213
• Zi Yan — Affectionately calls him “Grandpa Old Yao”; he is fond of her and accepts her gifts warmly. 95 113
• Cao Ying — Xiao Qing’s disciple and Old Yao’s grand-disciple; Old Yao recognizes her great potential and provides her with ongoing alchemical guidance. 240 557
• Yao Ling — Disciple; an Yao Clan survivor whom Old Yao took in due to her exceptional alchemy and soul talent. He continues to provide for her cultivation after she begins a relationship with Xiao Qing. 441 442 592
• Yao Wangui — Former Yao Clan Punishment Elder responsible for Old Yao’s expulsion and the removal of his parents’ names from the Ancestral Tablet. 241 245
• Yao Dan — Yao Clan Patriarch who acknowledged the clan’s past failure toward Old Yao and offered him a position he declined. 251 252

Story Role / Major Arcs

Meeting Xiao Qing

Old Yao emerges from the Bone Flame Ring after Xiao Qing displays his Emperor Dou Bloodline. Impressed by Xiao Qing’s aptitude and temperament, he accepts him as a disciple and becomes his alchemy mentor. 6

Soul Recovery and Revenge

After his soul is damaged and falls dormant, Old Yao is restored with Soul-Warming Spirit Liquid. He eventually reveals the truth of Han Feng’s betrayal, and Xiao Qing takes responsibility for settling the grievance. 65 83 115

Resurrection and Ascension

Xiao Qing gathers the materials for Old Yao’s resurrection, including a high-level Dou Saint Skeleton and an eighth-grade Bone-Growing Blood-Melting Pill. Old Yao returns to life and ascends to Dou Saint, becoming Saint Yao. 109 110 113

Pill Tower and Soul Hall Conflict

Old Yao reconnects with the Pill Tower’s three giants and earns the Little Pill Tower’s recognition. When the Great Heavenly Venerable attacks Saint Pill City, Old Yao reveals his late-stage Two-Star Dou Saint strength, drives the invader away, and becomes the Pill Tower’s public protector. 114 134 136

Tier 9 Fire Bodhi Pill Refinement

Old Yao accepts Fire Cloud Ancestor’s request to refine the Tier 9 Treasure Pill Fire Bodhi Pill. After his first attempt fails, he persists and ultimately refines the pill with Fire Cloud Ancestor’s assistance in containing its Pill Lightning. 164

Return to the Yao Clan

Old Yao returns to the Yao Realm as Saint Yao of the Heavenly Court rather than as an outcast. Xiao Qing’s victory in the alchemy wager forces the Yao Clan to restore Old Yao’s parents’ names to the Ancestral Tablet. 242 251

He refuses Yao Dan’s offer to return as Punishment Elder and clan-head candidate, declaring that he is Saint Yao of the Heavenly Court rather than Yao Chen of the Yao Clan. 252

Heavenly Court Alchemy Hall

As Hall Master of the Heavenly Court Alchemy Hall, Old Yao trains successive generations of alchemists, refines high-grade medicinal pills for the Heavenly Court, and establishes an alchemy school integrating the practices of the Dou Qi Continent and the Great Thousand World. 441 703

Alchemy God Clan Exchange

Old Yao accompanies Xiao Qing’s group to the Alchemy God Clan’s Millennium Grand Ceremony. He and Cao Ying study the clan’s ancient refining traditions, and Old Yao later places third in its Sovereign Realm alchemy competition with the Nine-Turn Yin-Yang Pill. 557 559

Notable Quotes

“Since you have taken me as your master, I will surely teach you everything I know and mold you into the top alchemist and powerhouse of the Dou Qi Continent!” 6

“Not necessarily! This disciple of mine has surpassed his master; his future is limitless.” 115

“I killed him, so what? What do you intend to do about it?” 133

“From this day forward, there is only Saint Yao of the Heavenly Court; there is no longer Yao Chen of the Yao Clan.” 252

Trivia

• Old Yao secretly observed Xiao Qing’s cultivation for more than two months before revealing himself. 6
• Xiao Qing’s mature response to encountering a soul entity initially surprised Old Yao. 6
• He refers to Zi Yan with grandfatherly affection and is known to her as “Grandpa Old Yao.” 95 113
• The title “Saint Yao” became firmly established after his victory over the Soul Hall at Saint Pill City. 137
• Old Yao designed the Heavenly Court’s Alchemy Hall with ten-thousand-year warm jade and Spirit-Gathering Arrays, ensuring that the building remains rich in medicinal fragrance and natural energy. 441