Channeling qi...
Yao Bodang

Yao Bodang

Yao Bodang (simplified: 姚伯当, traditional: 姚伯當, pinyin: Yáo Bódāng) is the current leader of the Qin Clan Stronghold (秦家寨) and a master of the Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre (五虎断门刀) technique in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. As the senior disciple of Qin Gongwang, he succeeded to leadership of the stronghold when his master’s son proved inadequate for the position.

Biography

Early training under Qin Gongwang

Yao Bodang was the senior disciple of Qin Gongwang (秦公望), the founder of the Qin Clan Stronghold and creator of the Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre technique. Under his master’s guidance, he developed exceptional skills in this unique martial art, becoming one of the stronghold’s most accomplished practitioners.

Succession to leadership

When Qin Gongwang’s son, Qin Boqi (秦伯起), proved to have mediocre martial arts skills and abilities, the leadership of the stronghold was passed to Yao Bodang instead. This decision reflected the stronghold’s principle that leadership should go to the most skilled practitioner of the Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre technique, regardless of family ties.

Leadership of the stronghold

As the current leader of the Qin Clan Stronghold, Yao Bodang oversees a bandit organisation based in Yunzhou that is unique among bandit groups. Unlike other organisations that accept members from various martial arts schools, the Qin Clan Stronghold only accepts disciples of the Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre technique, creating a cohesive organisation with shared martial arts traditions.

Key events

Qin Boqi’s death and revenge mission

Several months before Duan Yu’s arrival in Gusu, Yao Bodang’s junior brother Qin Boqi was killed in Shaanxi by someone using the “Wang Character Four Sabres” (王字四刀), which was the most powerful and fierce technique of the Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre. Everyone suspected that the Murong Clan of Gusu was responsible for this killing.

Grateful for his master’s teachings and seeking justice for his junior brother, Yao Bodang led all the stronghold’s skilled fighters to Suzhou to avenge Qin Boqi’s death. This revenge mission demonstrated his loyalty to his master’s family and his commitment to maintaining the stronghold’s honor.

Encounter at Fragrance Listening Pavilion

During their revenge mission, Yao Bodang and his followers encountered Duan Yu, Wang Yuyan, Azhu, Abi, and the Qingcheng School’s Sima Lin at the Fragrance Listening Pavilion. This meeting would prove pivotal in the stronghold’s future.

Defeat and submission to Murong Clan

The Qin Clan Stronghold members were ultimately defeated by Bao Butong. Under Bao Butong’s intimidation and Azhu’s persuasion, and with Wang Yuyan’s promise to teach them the deficiencies in both factions’ techniques, Yao Bodang made the strategic decision to accept the “Gusu Murong” flag and become subordinates of the Murong Clan.

This decision, while representing a loss of independence, ensured the survival of the stronghold and provided opportunities for its members to improve their martial arts skills.

Martial arts and abilities

Mastery of Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre

Yao Bodang is a master of the Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre technique, the stronghold’s signature martial art. This technique originally had sixty-four moves, but over generations, five moves were forgotten: “White Tiger Leaping Ravine,” “One Roar of Wind,” “Shear and Pounce Freely,” “Heroic Rule of Mountains,” and “Subduing Elephant Surpassing Lion.”

Technical innovation

Yao Bodang demonstrated his martial arts expertise by modifying the “Carrying Child Across River” and “Heavy Section Guarding Righteousness” variations to compensate for the lost moves, creating a complete set of fifty-nine moves. This innovation showed his deep understanding of the technique and his ability to adapt and improve upon traditional forms.

Combat effectiveness

As the leader of the stronghold, Yao Bodang possesses sufficient martial arts skills to command the respect of his followers and maintain the organisation’s position in the martial world. His ability to lead the revenge mission against the Murong Clan indicates his confidence in his own abilities and those of his organisation.

Character traits

Loyalty and gratitude

Yao Bodang’s decision to lead the revenge mission for Qin Boqi demonstrates his deep loyalty to his master’s family and his gratitude for the teachings he received. This loyalty extends to his commitment to maintaining the stronghold’s traditions and honor.

Pragmatic leadership

When faced with defeat at the hands of Bao Butong, Yao Bodang showed pragmatic leadership by accepting submission to the Murong Clan. This decision, while difficult, ensured the survival of the stronghold and provided benefits for its members.

Martial arts dedication

Yao Bodang’s technical innovations in the Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre technique show his dedication to martial arts excellence and his commitment to preserving and improving the stronghold’s traditions.

Relationships

Master-disciple relationship

Yao Bodang maintains a strong connection to his master Qin Gongwang’s legacy, both through his martial arts skills and his leadership of the stronghold. His succession to leadership represents the continuation of his master’s vision.

Leadership of the stronghold

As the current leader, Yao Bodang oversees all members of the Qin Clan Stronghold, ensuring that the organisation maintains its unique martial arts focus and hierarchical structure.

Strategic alliance

Through his decision to submit to the Murong Clan, Yao Bodang has established a new relationship that provides both protection and opportunities for martial arts improvement for his organisation.

Behind the scenes

Literary significance

Yao Bodang’s character serves several important narrative functions:

  1. Demonstrates organisational loyalty: His commitment to avenging Qin Boqi shows the strong bonds within martial arts organisations
  2. Illustrates pragmatic leadership: His decision to submit to the Murong Clan shows how leaders must sometimes make difficult choices for their organisation’s survival
  3. Represents martial arts innovation: His technical improvements to the sabre technique show how martial arts evolve and improve over time

Character development

Yao Bodang’s journey from revenge-seeking leader to pragmatic subordinate represents the theme of adaptation in the face of overwhelming power. His story shows how even strong leaders must sometimes compromise to ensure their organisation’s survival and growth.

See also