Fan Yao (simplified: 范遥, traditional: 範遙, pinyin: Fàn Yáo, jyutping: faan6 jiu4), also known as Kutoutuo (苦头陀), was the Ming Order Right Envoy and sworn brother of Yang Xiao. With Yang Xiao he was known as one of the Carefree Immortals (逍遥二仙). He infiltrated the Prince of Ruyang’s residence for nearly twenty years, disguising himself as a disfigured, mute toutuo (头陀) to gather intelligence. Zhang Wuji regarded him as the most versatile martial artist among the Ming Order leadership.
Biography
Origins
Fan Yao loved Daiqisi, the Purple Mantle Dragon King, but she married Han Qianye. When Yang Dingtian disappeared, Fan Yao suspected Cheng Kun’s involvement with the Yuan court and resolved to investigate from within.
Infiltration
Fan Yao deliberately disfigured his face, scorched his hair, and posed as a mute. He travelled to the Western Regions, performed martial arts displays, and was recommended by a Mongol noble to the Prince of Ruyang’s residence. He entered service as Kutoutuo and remained for nearly twenty years. Zhao Min trained in martial arts under him from childhood.
Wan’an Temple
Fan Yao accompanied Zhao Min during her operations against the orthodox sects. When Zhang Wuji and Yang Xiao came to Wan’an Temple to rescue the six sects, Fan Yao tested Zhang Wuji’s martial arts on a hillock. Satisfied, he revealed his identity to his old comrades.
To obtain the antidote for the Ten Fragrance Softening Powder from Lu Zhangke, Fan Yao falsely claimed that Miejue was his lover and Zhou Zhiruo their daughter.
Later events
Fan Yao joined Yan Yuan in digging a tunnel to rescue Kongwen from Shaolin. He fought Kongzhi at the Slayer of the Lion Festival; Kongzhi proposed a duel at Wan’an Temple on the Mid-Autumn Festival, but neither attended.
Martial arts
Fan Yao combined orthodox and unorthodox techniques and was exceptionally versatile. He could imitate the swordplay of various sects, including the Kunlun School. Zhang Wuji considered him the best choice to face unknown opponents.
Behind the scenes
Source
Character information was drawn from docs/fetched-data/HSDS_20251027_082242/人物/范遥_20251026_235727.json and the novel.
See also
- Ming Order
- Yang Xiao — Sworn brother, fellow Carefree Immortal
- Daiqisi — Whom Fan Yao loved
- Zhang Wuji — Ming Order patriarch
- Zhao Min — Taught by Fan Yao as Kutoutuo
- The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Sabre