Xiao Yan

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Xiao Yan was publicly humiliated when Nalan Yanran came to the Xiao Family to annul their engagement. Enraged, he issued a blood-written annulment letter and declared a three-year agreement, vowing that she would regret her decision. Xiao Yao intervened in the confrontation, defeated Nalan Yanran, and assured Xiao Yan that the Xiao Family stood behind him. Xiao Yan responded with gratitude and renewed determination. 1

That night, Xiao Yan met with the soul known as Old Man Yao, later identified as Yao Chen. Although Xiao Yan asked Xiao Yao to keep the encounter secret, Yao Chen referred to Xiao Yan as his disciple. 1 4

With Yao Chen's aid, Xiao Yan restored his cultivation to the seventh stage of Dou Qi. His return initially received little attention because the Xiao Family had become focused on the resources and protection brought by Xiao Yao; Xun'er's departure further dampened his spirits. 14

He later returned to the Xiao Family as a Dou Master and a second-grade alchemist, but Xiao Yao's greater reputation again overshadowed his progress. After learning that even Hai Bodong served Xiao Yao, Xiao Yan left to continue training. 59

Personality

Xiao Yan is proud, hot-blooded, and unwilling to accept humiliation. His declaration during the annulment confrontation—followed by the three-year agreement—established his determination to prove himself through cultivation. 1

He remains ambitious despite repeated setbacks. Xiao Yan leaves the Xiao Family to train after being overshadowed by Xiao Yao, and later pursues the Wind Fury Dragon Flame in an effort to close the gap between them. 59 64

Abilities & Skills

Alchemy

Xiao Yan became an alchemist under Yao Chen's guidance and received a second-grade alchemist badge from the Alchemist Guild. 59

• Possesses a pale-white Heavenly Flame associated with his alchemy. 59
• Seeks the eighteenth-ranked Wind Fury Dragon Flame to further strengthen himself. 59 64

Cultivation

• Recovered from a severe decline in cultivation and continued advancing through Yao Chen's support and independent training. 14 59
• Maintains the three-year agreement with Nalan Yanran as a central objective. 1 28

Relationships

• Xiao Yao — Clan brother who defended him during Nalan Yanran's annulment visit; Xiao Yan is grateful for that intervention, unaware that Xiao Yao intends to seize his opportunities and undermine his advancement. 1 63
• Nalan Yanran — Former fiancée whose annulment of their engagement led Xiao Yan to declare the three-year agreement. 1 28
• Yao Chen / Old Man Yao — Secret master and alchemy mentor; helped Xiao Yan restore his cultivation and guided his training. 1 14
• Xiao Xun'er — Her early departure from the Xiao Family leaves Xiao Yan disappointed and removes an important source of motivation for him. 14 63

Story Role / Major Arcs

Broken Engagement

Nalan Yanran's annulment humiliates Xiao Yan before the Xiao Family and Misty Cloud Sect representatives. He answers by declaring that no one should bully the poor youth and establishes the three-year agreement. 1

Recovery Under Yao Chen

After beginning his secret apprenticeship under Yao Chen, Xiao Yan regains the seventh stage of Dou Qi. He attempts to announce his recovery to the Xiao Family, only to find that the clan's attention has shifted toward Xiao Yao. 14

Pursuit of Heavenly Flames

Xiao Yan becomes a Dou Master and second-grade alchemist, possesses a pale-white Heavenly Flame, and begins seeking the Wind Fury Dragon Flame. 59

Rivalry with Xiao Yao

Xiao Yao regards Xiao Yan as a direct competitor and systematically interferes with the opportunities, allies, motivations, and Heavenly Flames that would otherwise support Xiao Yan's rise. Xiao Yan nevertheless continues pursuing strength in the Luo Yan Empire. 63 64

Notable Quotes

“Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, don't bully a young man for being poor!” 1