Real name Yao Chen, Yao Lao is a legendary master alchemist betrayed by his own disciple. Reduced to a soul, he takes refuge in a ring that Xiao Yan receives from his mother, and becomes the mentor who will change his life.
Personality
Mischievous, sometimes mocking and always demanding, Yao Lao hides deep affection for Xiao Yan behind his teasing. He also carries an old bitterness, that of a master betrayed by the one he considered his son.
Powers & abilities
He is one of the greatest alchemists of his era, with immense knowledge of Dou Qi, pills and Heavenly Flames. Even without a body, he can lend his strength to Xiao Yan at critical moments.
History
At the height of his glory he founds the Star Fall Pavilion. Betrayed by his disciple Han Feng, who covets his Heavenly Flame, he loses his body and hides in the ring. To sustain himself he absorbs Xiao Yan's Dou Qi, which explains the young man's loss of power, before becoming his master.
Relationships
Xiao Yan is his disciple and almost his son. Han Feng, his former disciple, embodies his betrayal. He has old ties to powers he knew in his past life.
Key moments
- His appearance from the ring, revealing the cause of Xiao Yan's weakness.
- His first alchemy lessons, between orders and teasing.
- The confrontation with Han Feng, the disciple who betrayed him.
In the adaptations
The donghua often shows him as a kindly ghost with a light sense of humour. The novel goes back over his past and lost glory at greater length.
Did you know?
- His nickname, Yao Lao, roughly means "old man of medicine".
- The pairing of a young hero and a master hidden in a ring was widely imitated after Battle Through the Heavens.
Our take
Yao Lao is the dream mentor: funny, strict and deeply loyal. His relationship with Xiao Yan gives the series its warmth, far beyond the fights.
— Spidermas, for Donghua Fan