Qi Yun’ao (simplified: 齐云璈, traditional: 齊雲璈, pinyin: Qí Yún’áo, jyutping: cai4 wan4 ngou4), also known as the Brocade-robed Poisonous Beggar (锦衣毒丐 — Jǐnyī Dú Gài), was a protector (护法 — Hùfǎ) of the Five Poisons Order (五毒教) and a renowned snake venom expert in Sword Stained with Royal Blood. He attempted to rebel against the order’s leader, He Tieshou (何铁手), but his rebellion failed and he was killed by He Hongyao (何红药).
Biography
Position in the Five Poisons Order
Qi Yun’ao served as a protector (护法) of the Five Poisons Order, one of the order’s core members. The Five Poisons Order was known for its strict hierarchy and the use of poison-based techniques to control its members. As a protector, Qi Yun’ao held a position of significant authority within the order, serving directly under the leader.
Qi Yun’ao was particularly skilled in the manipulation and control of venomous creatures, specialising in snake venom techniques. He was known for his ability to control scorpions, centipedes, and other poisonous creatures, demonstrating his mastery of the order’s poison-based martial arts.
Service under He Tieshou
Qi Yun’ao served under He Tieshou, the leader of the Five Poisons Order. In one notable incident, Qi Yun’ao requested permission from He Tieshou to release a golden snake during a confrontation at an inn, demonstrating his expertise in controlling venomous creatures and his role in the order’s operations.
However, despite his apparent loyalty, Qi Yun’ao harboured ambitions to seize the position of leader for himself. His expertise in poison techniques and his position as a protector made him believe he was qualified to lead the order.
Rebellion and failure
Qi Yun’ao eventually joined forces with He Hongyao, the sister of the previous order leader and the master of Wanmiao Manor (万妙山庄), to launch a rebellion against He Tieshou. The rebellion took place during events at the Prince Hui’s residence (惠王府), where Qi Yun’ao and He Hongyao led their followers in an attempt to overthrow He Tieshou.
Qi Yun’ao attempted to use the order’s rules to his advantage, secretly carrying a small golden snake (小金蛇) with him to use in an assassination attempt. According to the order’s rules, anyone who could harm someone with a golden snake could claim the leadership position (金蛇伤人者继位).
However, the rebellion was ultimately defeated with the help of Yuan Chengzhi (袁承志), who intervened to support He Tieshou. When Qi Yun’ao attempted to use his poison techniques against Yuan Chengzhi, his poison techniques were countered, and he was defeated by Yuan Chengzhi’s Great Capturing Hand technique (大擒拿手 — Dà Qínnáshǒu).
Death
After the rebellion failed, Qi Yun’ao was killed by He Hongyao. The exact circumstances of his death are not fully detailed, but his failed rebellion and subsequent death demonstrated the consequences of attempting to overthrow the order’s leadership.
Role in the novel
Representing ambition and treachery
Qi Yun’ao represents the theme of ambition and treachery within organisations. His position as a protector gave him power and influence, but he was not satisfied with his role and sought to seize the leadership position for himself. His rebellion demonstrated the internal conflicts that could arise within powerful organisations, even when their members appeared loyal on the surface.
Demonstrating the order’s power structure
Qi Yun’ao’s role as a protector and his expertise in poison techniques highlighted the Five Poisons Order’s power structure and the importance of poison mastery within the organisation. His ability to control venomous creatures and his knowledge of poison techniques demonstrated the order’s unique martial arts system, which relied heavily on poison-based techniques rather than conventional martial arts.
Contributing to the order’s internal conflicts
Qi Yun’ao’s rebellion contributed to the internal conflicts within the Five Poisons Order, showing that even powerful organisations faced challenges from within. His alliance with He Hongyao demonstrated how internal factions could form and attempt to challenge the leadership, creating instability within the organisation.
Martial arts and skills
Poison techniques
Qi Yun’ao was a master of poison-based techniques, specialising in snake venom. He was skilled in controlling and manipulating venomous creatures, including:
- Snakes (蛇 — Shé) — Particularly golden snakes, which he used in his assassination attempts
- Scorpions (蝎子 — Xiēzi)
- Centipedes (蜈蚣 — Wúgōng)
His expertise in poison techniques made him one of the order’s most skilled members in this area, though his skills were ultimately insufficient to defeat Yuan Chengzhi’s superior martial arts.
Combat techniques
Qi Yun’ao’s combat techniques were primarily poison-based, relying on his ability to control venomous creatures and use poison attacks. However, when faced with a superior martial artist like Yuan Chengzhi, his poison techniques were ineffective, and he was easily defeated by conventional martial arts techniques.
Relationships
Enemies
- He Tieshou — The leader of the Five Poisons Order, whom Qi Yun’ao attempted to overthrow in a rebellion
- Yuan Chengzhi — The protagonist who intervened to support He Tieshou and defeated Qi Yun’ao’s rebellion
- He Hongyao — Initially an ally in the rebellion, but ultimately killed Qi Yun’ao after the rebellion failed
Legacy
Qi Yun’ao’s failed rebellion and death served as a warning about the consequences of ambition and treachery. His attempt to seize the leadership position through rebellion, despite his position of power and expertise, demonstrated that power alone was not sufficient to guarantee success, and that loyalty and righteousness were important factors in maintaining leadership.
His story also highlighted the internal conflicts that could arise within organisations, even those as powerful and established as the Five Poisons Order. His rebellion, though ultimately unsuccessful, demonstrated the challenges that leaders faced in maintaining control and loyalty within their organisations.
Qi Yun’ao’s expertise in poison techniques and his position as a protector made him a formidable figure, but his ambition and treachery ultimately led to his downfall. His story serves as a reminder that skill and position alone are not sufficient for leadership, and that loyalty, integrity, and the support of others are essential for maintaining power and authority.