| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Xiao Yan (萧炎) |
| Aliases | Xiao Yan Zi 1 11, Third Young Master 22, Young Clan Leader 94, Young Master Xiao Yan 106, Yan Xiao 154 156 |
| Type | Character |
| Species | Human |
| Gender | Male |
| Affiliation | Xiao Family 1 22 94, Hall of Souls (Earth Grade Protector; strategic/deceptive affiliation) 154 155 156 |
| Family | Xiao Zhan (Father), Xiao Ding (Older Brother), Xiao Li (Older Brother), Xiao Lin (Deceased) |
| Occupation | Cultivator, Alchemist, Earth Grade Protector |
| Status | Alive |
| First App. | Ch. 1 |
Background
Xiao Yan is a central figure in the narrative, a member of the Xiao Family, and the youngest of three brothers, including Xiao Ding and Xiao Li 1. His father, Xiao Zhan, is the clan leader and demonstrates a supportive and decisive leadership style, despite internal and external challenges faced by the family 1 2. The Xiao Family, having relocated and settled in Wutan City after an unspecified incident involving Xiao Lin's death, faces suppression and targeting from two major families in the city 1.
Initially, Xiao Yan was perceived as a prodigious cultivator, but later became known as a "failure" within his clan due to stagnant Dou Qi, leading to rumors and a perceived lack of successors for the family 22. This period of perceived stagnation was, in fact, a test orchestrated by his future mentor, Yao Lao, who had forcibly awakened and was observing Xiao Yan's character 8. Xiao Yan's mother passed away a year prior to his struggles with the Fourth Stage of Dou Qi 3.
His journey begins with arduous cultivation, contrasting his own struggles with the ease of those with abundant resources 3. He eventually discovers Yao Lao, an ancient alchemist residing within a ring, who becomes his teacher and guides him through unique and challenging cultivation methods 3 8 19. Xiao Yan formally accepts Yao Lao as his master and begins studying alchemy under him 20.
A significant event in his early life is the annulment of his arranged marriage with Nalan Yanran, the Young Sect Master of the Yunlan Sect. This confrontation, which Xiao Yan strategically manipulates, leads to a "Reverse Three-Year Agreement" 35 36. Following this, Xiao Yan actively works to strengthen his family's position, notably by exposing and humiliating Galeo Bi of the rival Gale Family, revealing the Xiao Family's hidden strength 40. He later orchestrates a robbery of the Gale Family's medicinal herbs, further asserting his family's dominance 42.
Xiao Yan's path leads him to the Magical Beast Mountain Range, where he seeks resources and encounters new allies. He arrives in Green Mountain Town, a mercenary hub, and meets the Little Fairy Doctor, a skilled alchemist 56. He also has a significant encounter with the Amethyst Winged Lion King, a powerful magical beast, eventually gaining its permission to use its cave residence and later securing its loyalty 59 77.
He returns to the Xiao Family with the Little Fairy Doctor, introducing her to the elders and revealing his new cultivation path, Blood Fire 94. During his travels, he also encounters Qing Lin, a young maid possessing the rare Three Flower Pupils physique, and takes her under his care, recognizing her immense potential 106.
His journey continues into the Chuyun Empire, where he confronts powerful figures like Wu Ya of the Ten Thousand Scorpions Sect 146 147 and later defeats the sect leader, Xie Bi Yan, with the Little Fairy Doctor 152. These actions draw the attention of the Hall of Souls, leading to a cunning encounter with Soul Envoy Tie Hufa, whom Xiao Yan successfully deceives to gain an advantage 154 155. The Hall of Souls subsequently promotes him, under the assumed identity Yan Xiao, to Earth Grade Protector and grants him authority over ten Soul Envoys 156. He also confronts Yan Luotian, the Acting Sect Leader of the Golden Goose Sect, further asserting his growing influence 170.
After obtaining and fusing a second Heavenly Flame, Xiao Yan forms the Azure Fall Lotus Heart Flame and learns the Heavenly Fire Three Mysterious Transformations, reaching the Dou Emperor realm 162 163. He later extracts the Golden Goose Sect's core techniques from Yan Luotian, including Goose Sky Walk and the Heavenly Goose Nine Transformations Wings secret art 171. Using the latter alongside the Withered Owl Ape's Essence Blood and the Purple Eagle soul, he refines and transforms his Purple Cloud Wings, acquiring the Withered Moon Owl bloodline phenomenon 174 175. While attempting the Azure Underworld Longevity Pill, his unusual bloodline causes an explosion and leaves the pill's effects uncertain; the resulting pill nevertheless saves the Little Fairy Doctor after her sudden collapse 180 181.
Power Progression
| Stage | Advancement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fourth Stage Dou Qi | Reached through early cultivation | Xiao Yan begins tempering himself beneath a waterfall to improve his control, meridians, and cultivation efficiency 3 4 |
| Ninth Stage Dou Qi | Dou Qi Vortex formed | His accumulated Dou Qi reaches the point where he can no longer contain additional energy in his prior state 11 |
| Six-Star Da Dou Shi | Breakthrough after his seals are released | Yao Lao takes him into seclusion to stabilize and advance his cultivation further 43 |
| Blood Fire—Nine Stars | Blood Fire Furnace cultivation | He condenses Blood Pearls, ignites Blood Fire, and advances his Blood Fire cultivation from seven to nine stars 91 92 |
| Nine-Star Dou Ling | Soul and body refinement | His prolonged training improves the harmony of his essence, energy, and spirit while bringing his Dou Qi cultivation to Nine-Star Dou Ling 134 |
| Fifth Layer Soul Realm | Soul cultivation advancement | He gains the ability to sense and mobilize Heaven and Earth Energy before a normal Dou Ling would ordinarily be able to do so 134 |
| Dou Wang | Breakthrough | He gains powerful self-repair capabilities and can employ Purple Cloud Wings in concert with Dou Qi Wings 145 |
| Dou Emperor | Heavenly Fire Three Mysterious Transformations | The Azure Fall Lotus Heart Flame and the Three Mysterious Transformations allow him to reach the Dou Emperor realm 163 |
Physical Description
Xiao Yan is described as a young man with a "tense face" 1, but also possessing a "handsome and carefree appearance" 94. He has a "surprisingly strong physique" 22. A notable feature is the "Black Ruler" he carries on his back, a thick and heavy meteorite iron artifact 21 22 34 115. Later in his development, he gains wings, which are initially manifested through the Purple Cloud Wings and later transformed through refinement with the Withered Owl Ape's Essence Blood and a Purple Eagle soul 145 174. A gray fine line appears vertically in the center of his brow when he activates certain techniques and his Withered Moon Owl bloodline 174 175.
Personality
Xiao Yan exhibits a complex and evolving personality throughout his journey. He is deeply concerned for his family and brothers, showing support for their advancement despite his own perceived failures 1 3 22. He is determined and resilient, facing the arduous challenges of advanced cultivation with unwavering resolve 3 19. His frustration with the lack of resources highlights his pragmatic side 3.
He is observant and analytical, questioning discrepancies in his situation and the world around him 8. Towards Xun Er, he is caring and protective, initially treating her like a younger sister, though their relationship becomes more complex 8 11 28. He displays a playful and understanding nature, particularly with his brothers Xiao Li and Xiao Mei, often engaging in lighthearted banter 11.
Xiao Yan is highly strategic and possesses a sharp intellect, capable of exposing hypocrisy and manipulating situations to his advantage, as seen in his confrontations with Nalan Yanran and Galeo Bi 35 40. He is confident and strong-willed, unafraid to challenge authority or assert his dominance 36 146. His actions often reflect a pragmatic and resourceful approach to problems, even in dangerous situations 59 77 115 153.
Despite his personal struggles, he demonstrates a selfless attitude, prioritizing the clan's success over his own perceived failures 22. He can be secretive about his relationships and cultivation methods, revealing information only when necessary 94. He shows empathy and compassion, particularly towards Qing Lin, understanding her difficult past 106. While generally focused, he can sometimes appear lazy or mischievous 115.
He is patient and understanding with the Little Fairy Doctor, guiding her cultivation despite her initial reluctance 140. His cunning extends to deception, as he successfully bluffs Tie Hufa of the Hall of Souls 155. Xiao Yan is ambitious, driven by a desire for strength and a willingness to rise within powerful organizations like the Hall of Souls 138 153 155. He is also described as a "hand addict," constantly wanting to touch and experiment with new things 172. The Little Fairy Doctor playfully accuses him of being a "scumbag" due to his teasing and unconventional methods 167 178. He ironically refers to himself as a "great philanthropist" 138 and Medusa notes his "unreliable" nature 142, while Nalan Yanran finds him "childish" 142. He can also be reckless, particularly in his alchemy endeavors 180.
Although he habitually presents himself as prepared and composed, Xiao Yan can become visibly panicked when the people close to him are endangered. His desperate response to the Little Fairy Doctor's apparent death demonstrates the depth of his concern for her 181.
Abilities
Xiao Yan possesses a diverse range of abilities, primarily centered around cultivation, alchemy, and combat, often augmented by unique characteristics and strategic thinking.
Cultivation
Xiao Yan's cultivation path is distinct and challenging. He initially struggles with the slow progress of the Fourth Stage of Dou Qi, but through rigorous training, including using a waterfall for tempering, he pushes his limits 3. His Dou Qi is uniquely divided into three distinct clusters that can compensate for each other's depletion, allowing for rapid replenishment 18 19. This characteristic helps mitigate the shortcomings of his Yellow Rank Low Level cultivation methods 19. He rapidly advances, reaching the Ninth Stage of Dou Qi 11, then Six-Star Da Dou Shi 43, and later breaking through to Dou Wang 145.
He cultivates a new path called Blood Fire, which involves tempering Blood Qi and condensing Blood Pearls. By using the Blood Fire Furnace method and the Crimson Sun Purple Crystal Fire, he brings his Blood Fire cultivation to nine stars 91 92. He gains the ability to directly utilize Heaven and Earth Energy through the Nameless Incantation and his Fifth Layer Soul Realm, bypassing traditional Dou Ling realm restrictions 134. His Soul Power is crucial for controlling his combined Dou Qi and is significantly enhanced over time 19 134 175. He also engages in body tempering, even using dangerous poisonous sludge to enhance his physical resilience 150 172.
Yao Lao gives Xiao Yan the Flame Mantra, or Fen Jue, a Yellow Rank Low Level technique capable of evolving through the devouring of Heavenly Flames 17. Xiao Yan subsequently absorbs and utilizes multiple flames, including the Black Demon Cauldron Flame, a portion of the Bone Chilling Flame's origin seed, and the Azure Fall Lotus Heart Flame 45 162. The latter flame, coupled with the Heavenly Fire Three Mysterious Transformations, enables his advance to the Dou Emperor realm 163.
Alchemy
Under the tutelage of Yao Lao, Xiao Yan develops into a skilled alchemist. He begins by receiving recipes for low-level pills 21 and successfully refines a Third Grade pill, then a Fourth Grade pill, demonstrating a deeper understanding beyond mere replication of formulas 52. He refines the Three-Pattern Azure Spirit Pill, important for the Xiao Family's cultivation 52. He later successfully refines a Seventh Grade pill for Yao Lao's recovery and a Fifth Grade Dou Ling Pill 71 97.
He refines the Yin-Yang Lotus Heart Pill 170 and Imperial Zenith Pills, though he initially struggles to control the Azure Fall Lotus Heart Flame's temperature during the latter process 164 165. He also attempts the complex Azure Underworld Longevity Pill, a Sixth Grade pill, but his bloodline interferes with the refinement and causes an explosion, leaving the completed pill's exact effects uncertain 180.
Combat
Xiao Yan is a formidable combatant, utilizing a combination of physical prowess, Dou Techniques, and strategic thinking.
- Black Ruler Combat: He wields the Xuan Heavy Ruler effectively in combat, capable of subduing a Five Star Dou Zhe 35 and using techniques like the Flame Splitting Wave Slash and Eight Extremities Collapse 147.
- Fire Lotus: He can create and deploy the Fire Lotus, a powerful attack capable of tearing through defenses and inflicting significant damage 147 148 153 170.
- Heavenly Fire Three Mysterious Transformations: He can amplify his power through the Heavenly Fire Three Mysterious Transformations, using his Heavenly Flames and golden qi as sources of enhancement 163.
- Strategic Fighting: He demonstrates strategic planning in battles, notably in his coordinated attack with the Little Fairy Doctor to defeat the Five-Star Dou Zong Xie Bi Yan 152.
- Yin Soul Robe: He activates the Soul Shackling Dou Technique from Xie Bi Yan's Naring, transforming into a figure resembling a Hall of Souls Protector, which Medusa initially mistakes as a threat 167.
- Amethyst Seal and Fire Spirits: He can employ the Amethyst Seal and Fire Spirits against powerful opponents, including Yan Nantian 181.
- Physical Prowess: His physical strength is considerable, capable of incapacitating a Dou Wang with a single punch 179.
Unique Abilities
Xiao Yan develops unique abilities that set him apart.
- Bloodline Ability: He gains a new Bloodline ability, the "Withered Moon Owl," which manifests as powerful wings. These wings grant him ice and fire immunity, and the ability to sense airflow, constructing a streamline image in his mind for optimal movement 174 175. Yao Lao notes that this could be the start of a new race of inheritance 175.
- Self-Healing and Flight: After breaking through to Dou Wang, his body gains enhanced self-healing capabilities, able to continuously repair physical damage and even fill wounds and bones. He also gains flight capabilities with his Purple Cloud Wings 145.
- Telekinesis: His presence in Green Mountain Town attracts attention due to his apparent telekinetic ability 56.
- Poison Manipulation: He can sense and manipulate poison, including producing a potent poison from his own Dou Qi, allowing him to recognize and aid the Little Fairy Doctor's Woeful Poison Body 57.
- Intelligence Gathering: He demonstrates a mastery of intelligence gathering, using it to his advantage in negotiations and confrontations 170.
Equipment
- Xuan Heavy Ruler (Black Ruler): A thick and heavy meteorite iron artifact given to him by Yao Lao. It suppresses Dou Qi, making his training more challenging, but also serves as a formidable weapon in combat 21 22 34 35 36 86 115 147 167 179 181. As his cultivation grows, its importance as a primary weapon diminishes compared to his Dou Techniques 147.
- Ring: A seemingly ordinary ring that contains the spirit of Yao Lao, his teacher 3 16 20.
- Black Demon Cauldron: Used for protection during a powerful double lightning tribulation and for refining high-grade pills 119 163.
- Purple Cloud Wings: An ancient flying Dou Technique that grows wings through opened meridians. Xiao Yan later refines these wings into a stronger bloodline-bearing form 82 145 174.
- Naring: Acquired from the defeated Xie Bi Yan, this item contains the Soul Shackling Dou Technique, including the Yin Soul Robe, which Xiao Yan later activates 153 167.
- Hall of Souls Protector Seal: As an Earth Grade Protector, Xiao Yan possesses a seal enabling him to communicate with the Hall of Souls and access its resources and authority 156 179.
- Pills: While he refines many, he also uses various pills for cultivation and recovery, such as Qi Gathering Powder (though he later refuses it for himself) 11, Blood Lotus Pill (materials for which he seeks) 56, Three-Pattern Azure Spirit Pill 52, Yin-Yang Lotus Heart Pill 170, and attempts to refine the Azure Underworld Longevity Pill 180.
Relationships
Family
- Xiao Zhan (Father): Xiao Yan's father and the clan leader, Xiao Zhan is a supportive and decisive figure. He expresses concern for Xiao Yan and his brothers, and despite internal family conflicts, he maintains a close bond with his sons 1 2 11 36 94.
- Xiao Ding (Older Brother): Xiao Ding is Xiao Yan's older brother, described as flamboyant and fierce, with an ambition to become a mercenary and establish a new family business 1 11. He is playful and supportive towards Xiao Yan 115.
- Xiao Li (Older Brother): Xiao Li is Xiao Yan's second brother, who also expresses a desire for independence and becomes a mercenary 1 11. He shares a playful and supportive dynamic with Xiao Yan 115.
- Xiao Lin (Deceased): An older family member whose death is mentioned as a significant event in the Xiao Family's history, leading to their relocation to Wutan City 1.
Mentors and Allies
- Yao Lao (Teacher/Mentor): Residing within a ring, Yao Lao is Xiao Yan's primary mentor. He forcibly awakened and initially tested Xiao Yan's character during his "trash time" 3 8. Yao Lao provides invaluable guidance, expertise in cultivation and alchemy, and resources 19 21 52. He is often mischievous but deeply concerned for Xiao Yan's well-being and pushes him to his limits, holding high expectations for his potential 47 59 100 130 163 167. Their relationship is characterized by mutual respect and a deep understanding 19 134 166.
- Little Fairy Doctor: Initially encountered in Green Mountain Town, she becomes a close companion and ally to Xiao Yan 56 77. She is a skilled alchemist and poison master, though initially reluctant to cultivate 94 140. Xiao Yan shows concern for her development and pushes her to grow, even through dangerous methods like the poisonous sludge 150 152 162. Their bond is complex, marked by mutual support, playful banter, and a growing sense of responsibility 94 142 167 181.
- Amethyst Winged Lion King: A powerful magical beast that Xiao Yan initially clashes with, but later gains its permission to use its cave 59. The Lion King becomes indebted to Xiao Yan after receiving pills for its breakthrough and serves as a loyal subordinate, providing resources and acting as a formidable defender 77 115 146 152 153 179.
- Qing Lin: A young maid with the rare Three Flower Pupils physique, whom Xiao Yan takes under his care 106. She becomes a loyal and supportive companion, with Xiao Yan showing empathy for her past and nurturing her immense cultivation potential 115 122 123 127 128. He supports her acquisition of a companion snake spirit and encourages her to develop her abilities beyond reliance on her eyes 125 127.
- Beast Fire Old Geezer: Xiao Yan heals Beast Fire Old Geezer's injuries and helps restore his strength. In return, Old Geezer becomes his attendant and gathers Beast Fires for him 54 100.
- Jia Xingtian: Xiao Yan assists Jia Xingtian's breakthrough to Dou Zong in exchange for substantial alchemical resources and other support. Their relationship is primarily transactional but mutually beneficial 54 100.
Other Significant Relationships
- Xun Er: A member of the Xiao family, Xun Er initially shows a deep concern for Xiao Yan and is intrigued by his abilities 7 14. Their relationship develops from a caring, almost sibling-like bond, to a more complex one, with Xun Er displaying a growing emotional expressiveness and possessiveness towards Xiao Yan 8 11 28. Her jealousy over the Little Fairy Doctor's closeness to Xiao Yan becomes increasingly apparent, though she ultimately restrains herself 96 121.
- Nalan Yanran: The Young Sect Master of the Yunlan Sect, Nalan Yanran attempts to annul her arranged marriage with Xiao Yan, citing his perceived lack of strength 35 36. Xiao Yan confronts her, exposing her hypocrisy and challenging her authority, leading to a "Reverse Three-Year Agreement" 35 36. Their interactions are marked by tension and a power struggle 14 35 36.
- Medusa: The powerful Queen of the Snake-People Tribe, Medusa initially views Xiao Yan with suspicion but later becomes a potential ally and partner 112 141 142. She is interested in his abilities and potential, and their relationship is complex, involving subtle power dynamics and a potential for mutual benefit 145 147 150 153 155 166 167 175 178 179 180 181. She repeatedly aids him in dangerous confrontations and becomes protective of both Xiao Yan and the Little Fairy Doctor 148 153 181.
- Tie Hufa: A Soul Envoy from the Hall of Souls, Tie Hufa initially suspects Xiao Yan of involvement in Xie Bi Yan's death 153 155. Xiao Yan cunningly deceives him, claiming to be a subordinate of a powerful Protector, leading Tie Hufa to shift from suspicion to an alliance, recognizing Xiao Yan's apparent abilities and connections 154 155. Tie Hufa later secures Xiao Yan's promotion to Earth Grade Protector 156.
- Xie Bi Yan: The leader of the Ten Thousand Scorpions Sect and a Five-Star Dou Zong, Xie Bi Yan becomes an adversary whom Xiao Yan and the Little Fairy Doctor strategically defeat. Xiao Yan ultimately kills him with the Fire Lotus and takes his Naring and techniques 151 152 153.
- Yan Luotian: The Acting Sect Leader of the Golden Goose Sect initially opposes Xiao Yan's group. After Xiao Yan exposes his circumstances and defeats him, Yan Luotian is compelled to surrender sect techniques and information, including Goose Sky Walk and the Heavenly Goose Nine Transformations Wings 169 170 171.
- Yan Nantian: Yan Luotian's father and a Five-Star Dou Zong. Yan Nantian confronts Xiao Yan over the Snake-People Tribe's territorial negotiations and demands proof of Xiao Yan's qualifications, leading to a direct confrontation 181.