Yao Chen, or Yao Lao, is the primary character who helped Xiao Yan achieve unparalleled heights. Whether it’s his Flame Mantra or his alchemy skills, he is the sole reason behind Xiao Yan becoming the most powerful entity in the entire Battle Through the Heavens donghua.
Who Is Yao Chen?
Yao Chen (药尘), revered as Yao Lao (“Medicine Old”), is the cornerstone of Battle Through the Heavens (BTTH). Once a Dou Zun powerhouse betrayed by his disciple Han Feng, he became a spirit inhabiting a ring—later found by Xiao Yan. As mentor, alchemist, and surrogate father, Yao Chen’s wisdom and sacrifices propelled Xiao Yan’s rise from “trash” to Dou Di (Battle God) .
The Tragic Origin: From Clan Outcast to Ring Spirit
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Exile: Born into the alchemy-specialized Yao Clan, he was ostracized for his thin Dou Di bloodline. He vowed to prove his worth through skill, not lineage .
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Rise: Founded the Falling Star Pavilion, won the Pill Tower competition, and became a legendary alchemist .
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Betrayal: Poisoned by Han Feng, who colluded with the Hall of Souls to steal his soul. Yao Chen’s spirit fled into a Warm Soul Spirit Ring, which eventually reached Xiao Yan’s mother .
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Awakening: Absorbed Xiao Yan’s Dou Qi for eight years to regenerate, causing the protagonist’s infamous “fall” .
Power System: Alchemy and Combat Mastery
Yao Chen’s strength blends Dou Qi mastery, spatial manipulation, and peerless alchemy.
Core Abilities
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Flame Mantra (焚诀):
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Origin: Discovered accidentally in his spiritual form; later taught to Xiao Yan .
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Mechanics: Evolves by absorbing Heavenly Flames—each fusion boosts its grade (Huang → Tian Class) .
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Risk: Below 20% success rate; failure means death by flame backlash .
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Spatial Warping:
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Creates wormholes (Dou Venerate-tier skill); shields allies during battles like the Central Plains War .
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Alchemical Genius:
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Crafts pills that defy natural limits (e.g., Qi Accumulating Pill forces Dou Disciple breakthroughs) .
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Table: Yao Chen’s Signature Pills
| Pill | Rank | Effect | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triple Imprint Spirit | 4th Higher | Boosts Dou Master → Dou Grandmaster | Xiao Yan (Age 17) |
| Earth Pill | 6th | Enables low-rank users to absorb Heavenly Flames | Xiao Yan (Fallen Heart Flame) |
| Bodhisattva Return | 9th | Breaks Dou Sheng barriers | Cai Lin (Nine Serene Springs) |
Relationship Dynamics: Mentor, Father, Strategist
With Xiao Yan
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Redemption Arc: Restored Xiao Yan’s cultivation post-Nalan Yanran humiliation; trained him in the Tager Desert .
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Sacrifices: Used his spirit energy to save Xiao Yan from Yun Shan’s attacks, falling into comas twice .
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Legacy Transfer: Gifted his Bone Chilling Flame to evolve Xiao Yan’s Flame Mantra.
With Cai Lin (Queen Medusa)
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Initial Tension: Clashed over her “enslavement” of Xiao Yan via the Heaven Swallowing Python .
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Mutual Respect: Acknowledged her strength; later entrusted with teaching alchemy to her daughter Xiao Xiao .
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Key Moment: In Season 5, he advised Xiao Yan to send Cai Lin to Nine Serene Springs, enabling her Dou Sheng evolution .
With the Falling Star Pavilion
Reclaimed leadership after Xiao Yan rescued him from the Hall of Souls; mobilized its resources against the Hun Clan .
Evolution Across Adaptations
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Donghua (Anime):
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Season 1: Baron Chen voices Yao Lao with gravelly warmth; designs emphasize his wispy beard and translucent spirit form .
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Season 5: His physical resurrection (via Dou Sheng skeleton) showcased with golden energy auras .
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Manhua: Crimson-robed with alchemy cauldron motifs; exaggerated expressions during pill-refining scenes .
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Live-Action (2018): Baron Chen portrays him as stern yet paternal; subplot explores his guilt over Gu Wenxin’s death .
Where Is Yao Chen Now?
In the latest episode of the donghua, we see Xiao Yan breaking through to Dou Sheng, thus surpassing Yao Chen’s Ban Sheng level (he skipped it entirely). The Star Pavilion is attacked by an enemy alliance with the Soul Hall, and just when they are about to kill Yao Chen, Xiao Yan appears and saves the day, killing a Ban Sheng powerhouse without much effort.
Currently, Yao Chen is busy preparing for the alliance to fight the Soul Hall. Also, in the last scene, we see him standing with Xiao Yan, who is competing for the position of Elder in a pill competition.
Cultural Impact & Legacy
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Fan Tributes: “Yao Lao’s Wisdom” quote edits trend during exam seasons; BTTH wiki traffic spikes during his key arcs .
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Symbolism: Represents second chances—his exile mirrors Xiao Yan’s fall, making their bond relatable .
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Expanded Universe: In The Great Ruler, he appears as a Heavenly Sovereign protecting higher realms with Xiao Yan.
To read in detail about BTTH world, here is another article.
FAQ: Untangling Yao Chen’s Mystique
Why did Yao Chen absorb Xiao Yan’s Dou Qi?
His spirit required energy to awaken after Han Feng’s betrayal. The ring passively drained Xiao Yan until consciousness returned .
What makes the Flame Mantra so dangerous?
Absorbing Heavenly Flames risks incineration. Yao Chen warned Xiao Yan: “Talent means nothing if the flames consume you.” .
How strong is Yao Chen post-resurrection?
As a Ban Sheng (Half-Saint), he rivals Dou Venerates. In The Great Ruler, he ascends to Heavenly Sovereign .
Did he ever reconcile with the Yao Clan?
Yes. He demanded his parents’ names etched on their honor stone, forcing the clan to acknowledge his alchemy supremacy .
Why does Cai Lin trust him with Xiao Xiao?
She respects his power and teaching ethos—he prioritizes discipline over dogma, much like her leadership style .
What’s his signature fighting style?
Spatial lockdowns + flame manipulation. He once froze Hall of Souls armies using Bone Chilling Flame ice-fire hybrids .
Is he Xiao Yan’s only teacher?
Primary mentor, but Xiao Yan learned skills like the Three Thousand Lightning Movement from others .
Why doesn’t he have a romantic partner?
His obsession with alchemy and fear of betrayal (after Han Feng) made him avoid attachments .
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