Xiao Yan

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Xiao Yan (蕭炎)
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Xiao Family; disciple of Yao Lao; associated with Canaan Academy
Occupation/Role	Cultivator; alchemy student
Status	Active

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Dou Qi, Third Stage	23	His test result is graded low after his Dou Qi repeatedly regresses.
Five-Star Dou Zhe	38	Reaches this level while preparing for Canaan Academy and cultivating the Flame Devouring Art.
Nine-Star Dou Shi Peak	93	Has not yet broken through to Great Dou Shi; Yun Shu gives him a Spirit Concentration Pill to assist the attempt.
Near Great Dou Shi	88	Prepares with Yao Lao to travel to the Imperial Capital for the Three-Year Agreement.

Background / History

Xiao Yan’s cultivation stagnates at Dou Qi Third Stage because Yao Lao, a spirit inhabiting the ring he has worn since childhood, absorbs his Dou Qi. Despite being regarded as a failure by others, he retains his position as the Xiao Family’s Third Young Master after Yun Shu’s support improves his standing within the clan. 21 23

He meets Yun Shu at the Back Mountain and seeks his help in resolving his cultivation disability. Following Yun Shu’s process of elimination, Xiao Yan identifies the ring as the source of the problem. Yao Lao reveals himself, admits what he has done, and offers to help Xiao Yan restore his cultivation. 21 25

Xiao Yan accepts Yao Lao as his master alongside Yun Shu. Yao Lao sets the goal of bringing Xiao Yan to Dou Zhe within a year, and Xiao Yan trains toward that goal with renewed purpose. 26

Nalan Yanran’s arrival to annul their engagement humiliates Xiao Yan and strengthens his resolve to improve. The resulting Three-Year Agreement later becomes the focus of his preparations for a journey to the Imperial Capital. 24 88 106

After leaving Wu Tan City, Xiao Yan reunites with Yun Shu near Green Mountain Town. Yun Shu gives him herbs needed for Strange Fire absorption and later yields the first Strange Fire opportunity to him. 47 48

Xiao Yan subsequently heads toward Canaan Academy and the Black-Corner Region, seeking the Fallen Heart Flame to evolve the Flame Devouring Art. He later travels with Yun Shu to Peace Town and Canaan City. 108 117 118

Personality

Xiao Yan remains determined despite the loss of his cultivation and the humiliation surrounding his low test result. Yun Shu’s repeated encouragement affects him deeply because he is one of the few people who does not look down on him. 23

He can be discouraged when confronted with Yun Shu’s rapid advancement, but converts that frustration into motivation to study alchemy and strengthen himself. 36

He values support and reciprocity. He is grateful when Yun Shu provides resources for his Strange Fire path and demonstrates trust by agreeing to purchase the Thunder Bat Wings scroll through future pill payments. 47 48 117

Abilities & Skills

Flame Devouring Art

A cultivation technique Xiao Yan begins cultivating with Yun Shu’s encouragement. Its evolution depends on acquiring Strange Fires. 38

• Canaan Academy’s Strange Fire, Fallen Heart Flame, is a major objective for its advancement. 38 117
• Yao Lao recognizes the importance of Yun Shu’s herbs to Xiao Yan’s attempt to absorb a Strange Fire. 47

Alchemy Training

Yao Lao’s guidance leads Xiao Yan to pursue alchemy alongside cultivation. 26 36

• He prepares to improve his alchemy after traveling toward the Black-Corner Region. 108
• He seeks the Earth Core Fire Zhi, a herb needed to refine the Earth Spirit Pill. 112

Flying Dou Technique

Xiao Yan obtains the Thunder Bat Wings scroll from Yun Shu. 117

• The technique allows him to fly with Yun Shu toward Canaan City. 118
• He was initially unable to afford the scroll when it appeared at the Black-Mark City auction. 112

Relationships

• Yao Lao — Master and mentor; reveals himself as the spirit within Xiao Yan’s ring and offers to restore his cultivation. 25 26
• Yun Shu — Friend and fellow disciple under Yao Lao; helps expose the cause of Xiao Yan’s cultivation issue, provides Strange Fire-related herbs, and travels with him toward Canaan Academy. 25 26 47 117 118
• Xun Er — Xiao Yan’s cousin; her attitude toward him becomes somewhat gentler because of Yun Shu’s influence. 23
• Nalan Yanran — Former fiancée; her annulment of their engagement leads to the Three-Year Agreement. 24 106
• Xiao Zhan — Clan leader of the Xiao Family and Xiao Yan’s father. 19
• Xiao Yu — Family member who is familiar with his restored Dou Qi and is involved in the Canaan Academy recruitment group. 35 40

Story Role / Major Arcs

Cultivation Disability

Xiao Yan is introduced as a once-promising cultivator trapped at Dou Qi Third Stage. His encounter with Yun Shu and the exposure of Yao Lao’s presence turn this crisis into the beginning of his recovery. 21 23 25

Apprenticeship Under Yao Lao

He becomes Yao Lao’s disciple, trains to reclaim his strength, and reaches Five-Star Dou Zhe while pursuing the Flame Devouring Art. 26 38

Strange Fire Journey

Xiao Yan receives Yun Shu’s support in gathering resources for Strange Fire absorption and sets his sights on Canaan Academy’s Fallen Heart Flame. 47 48 117

Three-Year Agreement

He prepares to go to the Imperial Capital with Yao Lao for the confrontation arising from Nalan Yanran’s broken engagement. 88 106

Journey to Canaan Academy

Xiao Yan enters the Black-Corner Region, acquires the Thunder Bat Wings, and travels with Yun Shu toward Canaan City in pursuit of further cultivation and the Fallen Heart Flame. 108 117 118