Yao Zhiqing

Yao Zhiqing is a martial artist, and the 16th Preceptor of the Frost Valley School. Along with his post as Preceptor, he also holds official posts.

Within the martial arts world, he is known as "Lightning over the Rippling Pond".

Life
In 884 NA, after the retirement of Li Cong, Yao Zhiqing succeeded him and took over the Preceptorship of the Frost Valley School.

Appearance
A short but stoutly built man, Yao Zhiqing is interesting in that he has never grown a long beard. Instead, a short, bristly beard and moustache rings his lips.

While he carries, as a badge of office, the sword Whitesleet, Yao Zhiqing has never been much for the use of the sword.

Family
Yao Zhiqing was married to Ann Valien (834 NA - 887 NA), who was his junior in the Frost Valley School, in 853 NA; they remained married until her death. The couple had six children, four of whom survived to adulthood:
 * 1) Yao Lianzhou (born 856 NA)
 * 2) Yao Liancheng (860 NA - 894 NA)
 * 3) Yao Suqing (born 865 NA)
 * 4) Yao Lianxi (born 868 NA)

Skills
As the Preceptor of the oldest Orthodox school, Yao Zhiqing is considered a senior figure even among the small, hallowed group of school leaders. The list of skills below is not exhaustive.

Thunder Fists
The Thunder Fists combine subtle movements with frightening strength, that derives from internal cultivation. Yao Zhiqing has practiced this fist for more than 40 years, and it is said that he has long surpassed even his master Li Cong in studying this.

Rainwater Skill
The Rainwater Skill is a cultivation technique, of the dynamism type, which complements the Thunder Fists. Having practiced the two together since his youth, Yao Zhiqing has command of the two to an extent not seen in decades.

Frost-Treading Step
The Frost-Treading Step emphasises speed over ground above all. While Yao Zhiqing is not the greatest practitioner of this skill, compared to some of his fellows, he can still easily cross six or seven yards in a single step.