Yao

Yao is a Fighter/Assassin hero in Honor of Kings.

Background[]

As a young admirer of Li Bai, Yao has always been filled with passion and ambition. He seeks the carefree life of a wandering swordsman that his idol practices to perfection. This aspiration prompted Yao to join Jixia Academy and found the Team of Stars, which would let him take part in Zhuangzi's Dream Trial. During this endeavor, he made new friends, gained strength, and learned much about himself. Although his team won the competition, this was just the beginning of Yao's journey...

Lore[]

An impassioned youth, Yao always dreamed of becoming a great hero. From a young age, he would always compete with his older sister, who was much more cool-headed and quite a bit stronger. Despite their differing temperaments, both children ended up studying at Jixia Academy, driven by the hope of expanding their horizons at Primaera's most venerable institution.

Yao made many friends as he was signing up for Zhuangzi's Dream Trial. He and the Team of Stars he captained overcame every challenge in their way, achieving great feats as they did so. In one Dream Trial match, Yao discovered the very foundation of his awareness and, in so doing, mastered the Star Power. He swung his sword with newfound strength, and like a single star glimmering in the tapestry of the heavens, Yao finally shone with a light that was all his own.

He may have finally defeated his older sister in the Dream Trial, but his journey as a hero was just beginning.

Childhood Tales[]

During his course called "Me," Zhuangzi gave his students a homework assignment: to write about their childhood. Yao seemed to have had quite an interesting childhood. Apparently, he'd helped fight for Eastwind Altar in the Three Kingdoms and had a chance encounter with Li Bai in Chang'an. In the Original Lands, he'd helped Hou Yi find Chang'e, and brought Zhu Bajie and Wukong together. What's more, during his journeys in a fantastical world, he'd found the Ark Core, shielding Primaera from danger. After being made to rewrite the paper 132 times, he finally handed in the essay below:

"I want to soar to the heavens and embrace the moon!"

The boy shouted his motto, swinging a branch around in an attempt to draw a sword formation on the ground. His efforts resulted in little but a cloud of dust.

"Alright, alright, that's enough horsing around. Look, you got your face all dirty!" The scolding voice of his older sister sounded behind him.

"I'm not 'horsing around, I'm practicing the Lotus Stance! Be careful what you say about my hero!" The boy raised his fists, trying to look threatening, but most of all resembled a kitten defending their favorite ball of string.

"If you're trying to learn Li Bai's sword stances, that's not the way to do it," she said snarkily. "How did I end up with such a dolt of a younger brother?"

"Dang it, Jing! You just wait!" the boy shouted at the rapidly diminishing figure of his sister as she walked away. "I'm going to learn the Lotus Stance, and I'll become just as powerful as Li Bai! In fact, I'm gonna be the most powerful swordsman in the world, and then I'm gonna beat you! You'll see!"

The sky is full of stars. But my name, Yao, means "brightest light." That's why I'm going to shine brighter than them all! And no one is going to stand in my way!

Finally, he and his older sister Jing were accepted by Jixia Academy.

However, deep inside, the boy wasn't truly certain there was a place for him in that sea of shimmering stars.

At the bottom of the essay, Zhuangzi wrote two words:

"There is."

Starwatching[]

Yao engraved this poem into the Observatory, imitating how Li Bai would carve his poetry into the walls of Chang'an.

Stars in the heavens, distant, burning,
Magnificent in life, brilliant in death,
Ultimate dreams dispelling mediocrity.
I will be the brightest star, the most ardent flame,

The sole dream living on in the coldest of darkness.
Look to the stars and see my brilliance!
See my sword, forged in cosmic fire!
Hear the azure dragon roar from icy ocean depths,

Cold light unsheathed, carving out graves from stone.
Those who despoil life by seeking naught but gain,
Are now brought low by celestial light.
The king's victory is the crux of change,

Light rending darkness, cowing the hollow.
Slumber now, reality, as I make real my dreams!
So brilliant in the night sky, even day cannot compare.
I will be the brightest star, the most ardent flame.

Matchless power will bring me honor,
Honor that makes up for my loneliness and grief.
I was not born a star, but I will shine through the ages.
When you feel the light protecting you,

You will know I have come,
Come to banish the darkness and bring light to the land!

Skills[]

Gift of the Stars

Type: Passive

Recovers Health when landing skill hits. Using any 3 skills enhances his next skill, and using the enhanced skill will enhance his next Basic Attack.

Starlight Slice

Type: Skill 1

Deals damage to nearby enemies.

Starburn

Type: Skill 2

Moves quickly, dealing damage and slowing enemies in his path.

Return to Dust

Type: Ultimate

Returns to his location 2s ago, removes Star Reduction, and deals damage to enemies in his path. Passive: Some of his damage taken is converted into Star Reduction after a short delay.

Gift of the Stars

Type: Passive

Recovers Health when landing skill hits. Using any 3 skills enhances his next skill, and using the enhanced skill will enhance his next Basic Attack.

Starlight Slice

Type: Skill 1

Deals damage to nearby enemies.

Starburn

Type: Skill 2

Moves quickly, dealing damage and slowing enemies in his path.

Return to Dust

Type: Ultimate

Returns to his location 2s ago, removes Star Reduction, and deals damage to enemies in his path. Passive: Some of his damage taken is converted into Star Reduction after a short delay.

Skins[]

Strategies[]

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Yao's most common skill combo is 2-1-1-Ult
Utilize his Ultimate to avoid taking damage.