Yao Lao

Biodata

Power Progression

• Further recovery remains conditional: A second Seven Illusory Azure Spirit Saliva could restore his soul power to Peak Dou Zong, but the specimen obtained in the Magical Beast Mountain Range is still immature 9.
• Resurrection is a separate goal: He hopes Xiao Yan can use the Flame Mantra to fuse three Heavenly Flames and resurrect him; this has not occurred in the supplied chapters 3.

Background / History

Yao Chen rose to prominence in the Central Plains, won the Pill Tower’s Pill Gathering, and founded Starfall Pavilion. He became the acknowledged foremost alchemist on the Dou Qi Continent and reached Nine Revolutions Peak Dou Zun 2 3 13 21.

While caring for his disciple Han Feng, he rejected Xuan Yi’s confession and Fairy Qing’s pursuit. Han Feng later stabbed and poisoned him, causing his physical death. Pursued by the Hall of Souls, Yao Lao wandered for decades; he believes he would eventually have perished had he not met Xiao Yan 17.

To sustain himself, Yao Lao absorbed Xiao Yan’s Dou Qi, contributing to the youth’s loss of cultivation. He feels responsible for the hardship this caused and later gives Xiao Yan purified energy extracted while treating Nalan Jie’s Brand Poison 1.

Xiao Yan’s Previous Timeline

• In Xiao Yan’s memories, the Misty Cloud Sect colluded with the Hall of Souls, nearly destroyed the Xiao Clan, and enabled Yao Lao’s capture. Torture cost him most of his Soul Origin 10.
• These events belong to Xiao Yan’s previous life, not the current sequence of events. Xiao Yan conceals his rebirth and prior mastery from Yao Lao 12 20 23.

Appearance

• Usual manifestation: An aged, illusory figure who emerges from the ancient black ring worn by Xiao Yan 1 9.
• Distinguishing features: A beard and bony fingers 2 3.
• Soul form: Can disperse into white mist or fluorescent light and reform outside the ring 9 24.
• Temporary body: Can condense a lifelike elderly false body for physical demonstrations, although its shape remains malleable 21 22.

Personality

Yao Lao is protective, generous with his knowledge, and determined that Xiao Yan should surpass him. He offers to summon old Dou Zun and Half-Saint friends against the Misty Cloud Sect, yet also insists that Xiao Yan develop his own abilities rather than rely indefinitely on borrowed power. After an exhausting night of training, he covers his sleeping disciple with a blanket and forms a nourishing protective barrier around him 9 10 18 24.

His pride makes him susceptible to provocation. Xiao Yan’s rapid mastery repeatedly leaves him astonished, but he minimizes those achievements or invents extravagant comparisons to preserve his dignity. His claim to have succeeded at alchemy on his first attempt contradicts the narration that he failed more than a hundred times 22 23 24.

He can be sharp-tongued and opportunistic without being needlessly cruel. He proposes repeatedly copying a valuable Dou Technique to buy Beast Flames, but still leaves the promised scroll with a frightened merchant who offers to surrender the flame for nothing. Although he objects to Xiao Yan taking responsibility for Xiao Yi Xian, he ultimately respects his disciple’s decision 4 20.

Abilities & Skills

Alchemy

An acclaimed master alchemist whose surviving soul can still refine seventh-tier medicine 3 12.

• High-tier refinement: Begins refining the sixth-grade Emperor’s Extreme Pill and completes the middle-grade seventh-tier Dragon Transformation Pill 9 12.
• Using fire as a cauldron: Shapes Bone Spirit Cold Flame into a medicinal cauldron, avoiding the need to reveal the valuable Black Demon Cauldron 12.
• Simultaneous processing: Refines multiple ingredients together rather than adding them individually 12.
• Medical treatment: Cures Nalan Jie’s Brand Poison and recovers the Dou Qi corroded during its suppression 1.
• Instruction: Teaches Xiao Yan Blood Coagulation Powder, then provides second- and third-grade formulas with supervised practice 23 24.

Bone Spirit Cold Flame

Yao Lao possesses the eleventh-ranked Heavenly Flame, recognizable by its eerie white color and simultaneous scorching and freezing qualities 3 9.

• Refines medicinal ingredients and soul-restoring herbs 2 12.
• Seals a cave entrance to isolate a cultivation area 1.
• Powers his demonstration of the Flame Splitting Wave Ruler 22.
• Can be divided: he gives Xiao Yan a wisp to test whether the Flame Mantra truly evolves 2 3.

Soul Power and Possession

His soul can merge with Xiao Yan, lending him strength or taking control of his body 10 12.

• Borrowed combat strength: Raises Xiao Yan to power comparable to Four-Star Dou Zong for travel, intimidation, and breaking Hai Bodong’s seal 20 27 39.
• Controlled output: Supplies only Peak Dou Ling-level power when Xiao Yan initially tests Hai Bodong 38.
• Flight: Attaches himself to Xiao Yan and carries him through the air 6.
• Protection: Creates barriers capable of blocking powerful sound waves; can also nourish Xiao Yan’s spirit while he rests 24 27.
• Perception: Detects a concealed observer and notices Xiao Yi Xian following Xiao Yan 6 14.
• Knowledge transfer: Imprints complex techniques onto scrolls or directly transmits them into Xiao Yan’s mind 4 21 22.
• Limits: Repeated borrowing strains Xiao Yan’s body and interferes with independent training. Yao Lao warns that his disciple is approaching his physical limit 9 10 40.
• Current vulnerability: Despite his former realm, he considers the Nether Snake King a genuine threat to his weakened state 13.

Taiyi Soul Art

A High Xuan Tier soul cultivation technique associated with the Pill Tower 2.

• Uses it to absorb and refine the energy of Seven Illusory Azure Spirit Saliva 2.
• Possession of the technique is connected to his history as a Pill Gathering champion 2.

Dou Techniques

Specialized Knowledge

• Woeful Poison Body: Explains its poison-fueled growth, accumulating toxins, and the Poison Pill Method intended to control it. He previously fought a woman with the same constitution 20 26.
• Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils: Identifies Qing Lin’s possible talent and confirms that emotional stimulation can awaken it 45.
• Magical Beast resources: Identifies the Earth Dragon Bear’s Fifth-tier Beast Fire and explains how Companion Amethyst Source benefits a young Amethyst Winged Lion King 4 7.
• Cultivation resources: Holds extensive knowledge of pill formulas, cultivation methods, and Dou Techniques, which he can exchange for supplies 3 4.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Bone Flame Ring: The ancient black ring worn by Xiao Yan in which Yao Lao resides 1 9.
• Black Demon Cauldron: Ranked eighth on the Heavenly Cauldron Ranking; used for pill refinement and alchemy demonstrations 9 23.
• Heavy Xuan Ruler: A weapon forged from Heavenly Vein Meteoric Iron, weighing a thousand jun and continuously suppressing Dou Qi. Yao Lao demonstrates it before handing it to Xiao Yan 22.
• Flame Mantra: The evolving cultivation method named by Yao Lao and entrusted to Xiao Yan. Initially Low Yellow Tier, it proves capable of advancing through flame absorption 2 3.

Relationships

• Xiao Yan — Disciple and protector of his surviving soul. Their mutual dependence develops into close trust; Yao Lao resolves to raise him into a Dou Di after witnessing his self-created fire techniques 1 18 24.
• Han Feng — Former disciple whose stabbing and poisoning caused Yao Lao’s death. Yao Lao considers sparing him if he has genuinely reformed, but vows to kill him if he remains unrepentant 17.
• Xuan Yi — Confessed romantic feelings to him; he rejected her while prioritizing Han Feng’s care 17.
• Fairy Qing — The Flower Sect’s foremost beauty, whose pursuit he likewise rejected 17.
• Xiao Yi Xian — Initially regards her Woeful Poison Body as a dangerous burden. Nevertheless, he explains its treatment and accepts Xiao Yan’s decision to help her 20.
• Qing Lin — Helps identify her latent eye technique and questions whether Xiao Yan could bear to hurt her emotionally to awaken it 44 45.
• Hall of Souls — Pursued him after his physical death; his capture and torture in Xiao Yan’s previous life motivate Xiao Yan’s efforts to build stronger protection 10 17.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Recovery and the Flame Mantra

• Treats Nalan Jie, securing Seven Illusory Azure Spirit Saliva for himself and purified Dou Qi that helps Xiao Yan become a Dou Zhe 1.
• Recovers part of his strength and supplies the flame wisp that verifies the Flame Mantra’s evolution 2 3.
• Finances further flame acquisition by copying valuable techniques for trade 4 5.

Magical Beast Mountain Range and the Flame Alliance

• Directs Xiao Yan toward the Amethyst Winged Lion King and supplies the soul power used to defeat her 6.
• Refines the Dragon Transformation Pill while controlling Xiao Yan’s body, helping secure the Nether Snake King’s cooperation 12 13.
• Supports Xiao Yan’s faction-building and lends the strength needed to present himself before the assembled Magical Beast overlords 10 27.

Training Xiao Yan

• Interprets Xiao Yan’s self-created fire techniques as evidence of Dou Di potential 18.
• Teaches combat techniques and alchemy, repeatedly underestimating how quickly his disciple will master them 21 22 23 24.
• Encourages participation in the Jia Ma Empire’s Alchemist Grand Meeting, dismissing Xiao Yan’s concern that his future ability would make the competition unfair 36.

Tagor Desert and Stone Desert City

• Supplies the power that breaks Hai Bodong’s Snake Tribe Seal, enabling his recruitment into the Flame Alliance 39.
• Advises Xiao Yan to treat the injuries caused by repeated possession and power borrowing 40.
• Helps investigate Qing Lin’s latent ability 44 45.
• Agrees to lend power for Stone Desert City’s defense despite Xiao Yan’s recent injuries, but reserves the right to evacuate him and his brothers if their lives are endangered 48.

Notable Quotes

“Don't worry, Xiao Yan. You're my disciple, not someone just any third-rate sect can bully!” 10

“My disciple Xiao Yan has the makings of a Dou Di!” 18

“Since you've made your decision, I won't stop you. But remember, know your limits in everything you do...” 48

Trivia

• After Xiao Yan’s claim that cliff bottoms contain beauties and hidden inheritances appears to come true, Yao Lao takes out dozens of martial-world novels and begins studying them seriously 14.
• He took a full year to master the Flame Splitting Wave Ruler, making Xiao Yan’s immediate mastery especially difficult for him to accept 22.