Xiao Yan

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Xiao Yan (萧炎)
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Jia Nan Academy; formerly associated with the Jia Ma Empire
Occupation/Role	Cultivator; alchemist; disciple of Yao Lao
First Appearance	Chapter 8

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Four-Star Dou Ling	84	Breaks through while cultivating in Jia Nan Academy’s Heavenly Flame Refining Qi Tower.
Dou Emperor	124	Reaches the Dou Emperor realm by the Heavenly Mountain Platform gathering; has killed Han Feng and obtained the Sea Heart Flame.

Background / History

Xiao Yan first enters the conflict over the Green Lotus Core Flame when he and Qing Lin discover the cave containing it. Inside, he encounters Ning Su; Yao Lao takes control of Xiao Yan’s body to fight, but the confrontation establishes Ning Su as an overwhelming rival. 8

After the Three-Year Pact causes an upheaval at the Misty Cloud Sect and draws Yun Shan out of seclusion, Xiao Yan withdraws from the Jia Ma Empire to evade capture. Though defeated, he remains intent on making the sect answer for the conflict. 39

While exploring ruins for a Strange Fire, Xiao Yan learns that Han Feng was Yao Lao’s former disciple and was responsible for Yao Lao’s downfall. He conceals his identity, resolves to avenge his master, and later clashes directly with Han Feng after his techniques and the Bone Spirit Cold Flame expose their connection. 70 73

Personality

Xiao Yan is persistent and revenge-driven. His defeats at the Misty Cloud Sect and against Han Feng do not diminish his resolve; instead, he chooses strategic withdrawal when necessary and continues cultivating for future retaliation. 39 74

He is also cautious when facing stronger enemies. Before confronting Han Feng, he and Yao Lao intend to avoid a direct clash, recognizing the danger posed by Han Feng’s strength and Sea Heart Flame. 70 73

Abilities & Skills

Yao Lao's Power

Yao Lao can possess Xiao Yan’s body and lend him power in battle.

• Yao Lao assumes control during Xiao Yan’s first battle with Ning Su. 8
• Xiao Yan later improves his control over Yao Lao’s power, allowing him to hold his ground more effectively against Han Feng. 87
• The partnership remains central to Xiao Yan’s decisions, including his plan to return to Jia Nan Academy after retreating from Han Feng. 74

Strange Fires

Xiao Yan wields multiple Heavenly Flames sought by powerful factions.

• Bone Spirit Cold Flame — Its use allows Han Feng to identify Yao Lao’s techniques and recognize Xiao Yan’s identity. 73
• Sea Heart Flame — Originally Han Feng’s flame; Xiao Yan possesses it after killing Han Feng. 124
• Mysterious Yellow Flame — Xiao Yan and Yao Lao prepare to subdue it in the Black Corner Region. 98

Alchemy

Xiao Yan is recognized as Yao Chen’s disciple in alchemical circles and participates in the Pill Gathering.

• He challenges Ning Su to settle their rivalry through alchemy at the Pill Gathering. 164
• Pill Tower figures identify him as Yao Chen’s disciple after seeing him employ the Sea Heart Flame. 168

Relationships

• Yao Lao — Teacher and combat partner. Yao Lao possesses Xiao Yan’s body when needed, warns him about Han Feng, and supports him through setbacks. 8 39 70
• Han Feng — Enemy and Yao Lao’s former disciple. Xiao Yan seeks revenge for Han Feng’s betrayal and ultimately kills him. 70 73 124
• Ning Su — Recurring rival whose actions repeatedly disrupt Xiao Yan’s pursuit of Strange Fires. Their relationship develops into wary, grudging respect; Xiao Yan later proposes an alchemy rematch. 73 93 124 164
• Xun'er — Xiao Yan’s separated companion. He remains melancholic over her absence and is told that reaching Dou Zong is necessary to see her again. 84
• Zi Yan — Acquaintance from Jia Nan Academy; they have a friendly reunion at the Heavenly Mountain Platform. 124

Story Role / Major Arcs

Green Lotus Core Flame Conflict

Xiao Yan seeks the Green Lotus Core Flame but encounters Ning Su in the cave. Yao Lao’s possession of his body is insufficient to overcome Ning Su, beginning their recurring conflict over resources and Strange Fires. 8

Flight from the Jia Ma Empire

Following the Three-Year Pact and his failed confrontation with Yun Shan, Xiao Yan leaves the Jia Ma Empire rather than risk capture. He vows to return against the Misty Cloud Sect. 39

Feud with Han Feng

Xiao Yan discovers Han Feng’s history with Yao Lao, battles him over a Strange Fire, and retreats when outmatched. Han Feng later attacks Jia Nan Academy to seize the Falling Heart Flame and eliminate Xiao Yan, but their conflict remains unresolved until Xiao Yan eventually kills Han Feng and takes the Sea Heart Flame. 70 73 74 86 87 124

Heavenly Mountain Platform

At the Heavenly Mountain Platform, Xiao Yan reveals his advancement to Dou Emperor and his victory over Han Feng. He enters the Gold-Devouring Rat Tribe’s trial for access to the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool alongside other young experts. 124 127

Pill Gathering

Xiao Yan reunites with Ning Su and agrees to settle their alchemical score at the Pill Gathering. He is acknowledged by Pill Tower figures as Yao Chen’s disciple and draws attention by using the Sea Heart Flame. 164 168

Ancient Domain Platform

Xiao Yan later arrives at the Ancient Domain Platform with Xun'er and the Ancient Clan for the contest surrounding the Bodhi Ancient Tree. 224