Xiao Yan

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Xiao Yan (萧炎)
Alias(es)	Yan Xiao; Yao Yan; impersonated Lu Bu
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Starfall Pavilion; formerly Jia Nan Academy
Occupation/Role	Alchemist; disciple of Yao Chen/Yao Lao; cultivator
First Appearance	Chapter 11

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Eight-star Dou Zhe	25	Reached eight-star Dou Zhe while travelling with Yao Lao and Lu Bu.
Four-star Dou Shi	56	Refining the Myriad Beast Spirit Flame increased his cultivation by three stars.
Nine-star Dou Shi	82	His cultivation before the Three Year Agreement duel with Nalan Yanran.
Dou Ling (temporary)	82	Used the first transformation of the Heavenly Flames Three Profound Transformations to force a temporary breakthrough during his duel with Nalan Yanran.
Dou Wang	176 196	Reached the Dou Wang realm by the Black Corner Region and Jia Nan Academy conflicts.
Eight-star Dou Zong (temporary)	288	Activated the Heavenly Flames Three Profound Transformations with three flames to escape Qinghai Venerable's pressure.
Half-step Dou Zun	316	His aura was judged stronger than a peak Dou Zong but short of a true one-star Dou Zun.
Peak five-star Dou Zun	360	Revealed during his spar with Black Annihilation Army commander Lin Xiu.
Peak eight-star Dou Zun	375	Completed Xiao Xuan's bloodline inheritance in the Heaven Tomb and received the complete Heavenly Flames Three Profound Transformations.

Background

Xiao Yan trained under the soul body Yao Lao, using the Mysterious Heavy Ruler to strengthen himself before entering the Magical Beast Mountain Range. There, he encountered Lu Bu and became entangled in Lu Bu's schemes, rivalries, and repeated identity deceptions 11 12.

He refined the Myriad Beast Spirit Flame under Yao Lao's guidance, then headed to Black Stone City to join the Alchemist Guild and gain cultivation resources. He registered under the name Yan Xiao, concealing his identity while being recognized as a third-grade alchemist not yet eighteen years old 56 57.

Xiao Yan treated Nalan Jie's Blight Poison by extracting the Myriad Beast Spirit Flame from his body. Though he remained distant toward Nalan Yanran, her willingness to protect him during the Three Year Agreement and later assist the Xiao Family complicated his feelings toward her 69 83 94.

After the Soul Hall's actions led to Xiao Zhan's disappearance, Xiao Yan destroyed the Gale and Ouba Families but could not recover his father. Nalan Yanran helped stabilize and rebuild the Xiao Family, allowing Xiao Yan to leave for Jia Nan Academy 94.

In the Central Continent, Lu Bu repeatedly spread the claim that Xiao Yan possessed “Dou Di potential,” creating unwanted fame and drawing the Soul Hall's attention. Xiao Yan responded by considering even more extravagant claims centered on his alchemy 255 264 285.

Appearance

Xiao Yan is a young man who commonly conceals his identity through disguises and alternate names. He is often seen in black robes when travelling or confronting enemies 57 233.

• Carries the heavy black Mysterious Heavy Ruler in combat 82 84.
• His eyes turn white when drawing on Yao Lao's power 84.
• Uses disguised identities including Yan Xiao and Yao Yan 57 82.

Personality

Xiao Yan is determined, proud, and highly competitive. He repeatedly seeks stronger methods and resources when confronted with opponents such as Nalan Yanran, Han Feng, Lu Bu, and the Soul Hall 76 148 269.

He can be impulsive and easily provoked, particularly when Lu Bu exploits his name or manipulates him into unfavorable arrangements. Nevertheless, he remains resourceful under pressure, using disguises, temporary power boosts, pills, and tactical retreats when direct victory is impossible 76 264 288.

His personal loyalties strongly influence his choices. Xiao Xun'er remains his foremost emotional priority, while Nalan Yanran's aid to his family and willingness to shield him gradually soften his former hostility toward her 69 86 94 105.

Abilities & Skills

Alchemy

Xiao Yan is an accomplished alchemist whose skill develops alongside his soul cultivation.

• Recognized as a third-grade alchemist before turning eighteen while using the identity Yan Xiao 57.
• Uses alchemy to acquire resources, refine pills, and treat difficult conditions such as Nalan Jie's Blight Poison 69.
• Refined the Seven Heart Pill, improving his sensitivity to fire-attribute energy and Soul Perception 264.
• Approached Spirit Realm Soul cultivation during the Pill Gathering, a breakthrough associated with becoming an eighth-grade alchemist 314.

Heavenly Flames

Xiao Yan possesses and controls multiple Heavenly Flames, making fire-based combat and alchemy his defining specialties.

• Refined the Myriad Beast Spirit Flame, which raised him to four-star Dou Shi 56.
• Uses the Myriad Beast Spirit Flame in battle, including against Nalan Yanran and Yun Leng 83.
• Wields the Bone Spirit Cold Fire with precision while resisting a peak Dou Zong Soul Hall Protector 201.
• Eventually possesses four Heavenly Flames and can fuse them into a devastating composite attack 365 383.

Heavenly Flames Three Profound Transformations

A secret technique obtained from Lu Bu that temporarily raises Xiao Yan's cultivation by using special flames.

• Acquired the first transformation in exchange for the Black Jade Piece 76.
• First used it against Nalan Yanran, temporarily reaching Dou Ling 82.
• Used three flames to raise his combat strength to eight-star Dou Zong against Qinghai Venerable 288.
• Received the complete technique from Xiao Xuan after completing his bloodline inheritance 375.
• Causes significant aftereffects after activation 83.

Emperor Seal Art

A high-level sealing palm technique received from Xiao Xun'er.

• Used it during his stalemated spar with Lin Xiu, who had learned the same technique 360.
• Fused five seals during his battle with Gu Yao 364.
• Combined it with Heavenly Flame attacks to increase his offensive power 364.

Soul Perception

Xiao Yan possesses strong spiritual senses that support both alchemy and combat.

• Detected Lu Bu and Qing Lin while travelling with Nalan Yanran 346.
• Reached the early Spirit Realm in soul strength by this period 346.
• His enhanced Soul Perception became a major advantage after consuming the Seven Heart Pill 264.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Mysterious Heavy Ruler — heavy black ruler used as his principal weapon 11 82.
• Bone Spirit Ring — Yao Lao's residence; Yao Lao retreats into it when danger approaches 264.
• Earth Demon Puppet — used as a rapid mount during escape from Mu Gu 264.
• Black Jade Piece — traded to Lu Bu for the first transformation of the Heavenly Flames Three Profound Transformations 76.
• Pills — carries recovery pills and uses alchemical medicines to sustain himself in battle 364 489.

Relationships

• Yao Chen / Yao Lao — teacher and soul-bound mentor; guides Xiao Yan's cultivation, alchemy, strategy, and use of Heavenly Flames 11 56 84.
• Xiao Xun'er — Xiao Yan's childhood companion and primary love interest; their bond is tested by Nalan Yanran, Lu Bu, and the Ancient Clan 69 105 365.
• Nalan Yanran — former adversary whose protection during the Three Year Agreement and aid to the Xiao Family lead to a closer relationship 83 94 334.
• Lu Bu — ally, rival, and frequent manipulator; they exchange techniques and assistance, but Lu Bu's misuse of Xiao Yan's identity repeatedly creates danger for him 66 76 264 391.
• Xiao Zhan — Xiao Yan's missing father; his disappearance, believed connected to the Soul Hall, drives Xiao Yan's determination to become stronger 94.
• Xiao Xuan — ancestor who assists Xiao Yan's bloodline inheritance and grants him the complete Heavenly Flames Three Profound Transformations 375.
• Han Feng — Yao Lao's former disciple and Xiao Yan's enemy; Xiao Yan vows to eliminate him for murdering their master 148.
• Gu Yao — Ancient Clan opponent whom Xiao Yan defeats using his four Heavenly Flames 362 365.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Magical Beast Mountain Range

Xiao Yan enters the Magical Beast Mountain Range under Yao Lao's guidance, encounters Lu Bu, and refines the Myriad Beast Spirit Flame. He subsequently pursues resources and alchemical advancement through Black Stone City and the Alchemist Guild 11 56 57.

Three Year Agreement

Disguised as Yao Yan, Xiao Yan confronts Nalan Yanran at the Yun Lan Sect. He reveals his identity, temporarily reaches Dou Ling with the Heavenly Flames Three Profound Transformations, and defeats her. The aftermath leaves him targeted by Yun Leng, Yun Yun, and Yun Shan, forcing Yao Lao to intervene 82 83 84.

Xiao Family Crisis and Jia Nan Academy

Upon learning the Xiao Family has been attacked, Xiao Yan returns to Wutan City, eliminates the responsible families, and searches unsuccessfully for Xiao Zhan. With Nalan Yanran's support, he rebuilds the clan and proceeds to Jia Nan Academy 94 105.

Central Continent and Soul Hall Pursuit

After entering the Central Continent, Xiao Yan becomes a target of the Soul Hall and is pursued by Mu Gu. His unwanted “Dou Di potential” reputation—created through Lu Bu's impersonation—spreads widely, attracting attention from major factions 264 267 285.

Rescue of Yao Lao

When Bone Mu captures Yao Chen, Xiao Yan resolves to reach Dou Zong and obtain the strength needed to rescue his teacher. Thunder Venerable directs him toward Heavenly Eye Mountain and its Blood Pool as part of that path 269.

Pill Gathering

Xiao Yan enters the Pill Gathering, remains unmoved by a soul illusion of his loved ones and enemies, and battles Mu Gu in the Pill Realm. His growing soul strength brings him close to the Spirit Realm 311 312 314.

Ancient Clan and Heaven Tomb

At Ancient Saint City, Xiao Yan faces hostility from the Black Annihilation Army but demonstrates peak five-star Dou Zun strength against Lin Xiu. He then challenges Gu Yao for a Heaven Tomb opportunity, defeats him with four Heavenly Flames, and receives Xiao Xuan's help in completing his bloodline inheritance 359 360 365 375.

Trivia

• Xiao Yan is repeatedly mistaken for Lu Bu because Lu Bu frequently uses Xiao Yan's identity, while Xiao Yan later impersonates Lu Bu in return 233 264 288.
• Lu Bu's false boasts about Xiao Yan's “Dou Di potential” become so widespread that even the eight Ancient Imperial Clans discuss them 255 264 285.
• Xiao Yan initially resents Lu Bu's appearance after seeing him in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, complaining that Lu Bu is more handsome than him 12.