Yao (previously known as XiaoD) began his professional career in September 2010 playing in Dream alongside DD, Xiao8, Li and SJQ. In early 2011 he took a break from competitive gaming due to study commitments, but later returned for a short period in Nirvana.cn. During his time in Nirvana.cn he rotated between support and gank roles, playing heroes such as Earthshaker and Tidehunter.