Xiao Yan

Biodata

Name	Xiao Yan (萧炎)
Alias(es)	Little Yanzi
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Xiao Clan; associated with the Mo Tie Mercenary Group through his brothers
Occupation/Role	Cultivator; disciple of Yao Lao
Status	Alive; later departs for Jia Nan Academy after the Three-Year Agreement 171
First Appearance	Chapter 28

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Seven-star Dou Practitioner	43	Breaks through after fighting the Wolf Head Mercenary Group and surviving pursuit in the Magic Beast Mountain Range.
Two-star Dou Master	62	Reaches this realm after half a year of dangerous cultivation in the Magic Beast Mountain Range; remains far behind Nalan Yanran’s three-star Dou Grandmaster cultivation.
One-star Dou Grandmaster	116	Advances rapidly with resources left by Gu Shenge, including the Three-Pattern Green Spirit Pill and Purple Heart Barrier-Breaking Pill.
Peak Dou Grandmaster	160	Reaches the peak with Gu Shenge’s resources and the Sea Heart Flame before returning incognito to Jia Ma Holy City.

Background / History

Xiao Yan secretly helps restore the Xiao Clan’s fortunes, allowing it to dominate Wutan City’s healing-medicine trade and suppress the Jia Lie Clan. His earlier Dou Qi regression had already been resolved by the time Gu Shenge arrives at the clan. 28 30

He is the disciple of Yao Lao, whose soul resides within Xiao Yan’s ring. Gu Shenge exposes both the cause of Xiao Yan’s former regression and Yao Lao’s identity as Venerable Yao, placing Xiao Yan under significant pressure before he chooses to disclose his circumstances. 30

Yao Lao later prioritizes Xiao Yan’s safety over his own resurrection and revenge, asking Gu Shenge to intervene only when Xiao Yan is in genuine danger. Xiao Yan is deeply moved but initially objects to his teacher sacrificing so much on his behalf. 31

Personality

Xiao Yan is determined, pragmatic, and strongly concerned with recovering his family’s dignity. Although impressed by powerful figures such as Gu Shenge, he redirects that admiration into motivation to cultivate rather than simple envy. 28 29

He is willing to take serious risks for cultivation resources and revenge, including entering the Amethyst Winged Lion King’s cave for the Companion Amethyst Source. However, he draws a line at sacrificing his lifespan: he refuses Yao Lao’s Life-Devouring Pill despite its potential to propel him to the Dou King realm. 52 116

He can also be reckless and provocative, particularly around Nalan Yanran. Gu Shenge repeatedly characterizes him as a troublemaker, while still acknowledging that his nature is not bad and that his resentment stems from the public humiliation caused by the broken engagement. 60

Abilities & Skills

Burning Mantra

Xiao Yan cultivates the Burning Mantra, which Gu Shenge identifies as the cultivation technique of the Tou She Ancient God and a Dou Di technique. 31

• Allows him to refine and use Heavenly Flames.
• Is tied to Yao Lao’s long-term guidance and Xiao Yan’s cultivation recovery. 30 31
• Xiao Yan later possesses and benefits from the Sea Heart Flame. 160

Fire Affinity and Heavenly Flames

Xiao Yan uses fire-based power in combat and obtains flame-related resources throughout his journey.

• Receives a rank 5 Ghost Scale Beast Fire from Gu Shenge. 31
• Uses the Wind Fury Dragon Flame while considering ways to accelerate his cultivation. 116
• Learns that Han Feng possesses a Heavenly Flame after recovering from his near-fatal injuries. 119
• Acquires access to Han Feng’s cultivation and Heavenly Flame-refinement resources through Han Feng’s storage ring. 119

Heavy Profound Ruler

Xiao Yan carries and fights with the Heavy Profound Ruler.

• Wields it while hiding near the battle between Yun Yun and the Amethyst Winged Lion King. 44
• Its weight does not hinder Gu Shenge, who catches the weapon barehanded when Xiao Yan reflexively attacks him. 44

Equipment / Items

• Heavy Profound Ruler — Xiao Yan’s heavy weapon. 44
• Ring containing Yao Lao’s soul — the source of Yao Lao’s protection and guidance. 30
• Ghost Scale Beast Fire — rank 5 beast fire gifted by Gu Shenge. 31
• Han Feng’s Storage Ring — contains cultivation resources and materials related to refining a Heavenly Flame. 119
• Spirit Heart Soul Nourishing Liquid — obtained at the Heaven Tier Auction after outbidding Yun Ling for 2,010,000 gold coins. 162

Relationships

• Yao Lao — teacher and protector. Yao Lao resides in Xiao Yan’s ring, guides his cultivation, and seeks outside protection for him at the cost of his own interests. 30 31
• Gu Shenge / Juan Shoutian — elder-brother-like protector and occasional source of frustration. Gu Shenge agrees to Yao Lao’s request to protect Xiao Yan, transports and rescues him on several occasions, and provides cultivation resources. 31 38 44 117 160
• Xiao Zhan — father and head of the Xiao Clan. Xiao Yan supports the clan’s rise in Wutan City and is affected by the loss of face brought upon the family by his broken engagement. 28 60
• Xiao Ding — eldest brother whose friendship with Gu Shenge introduces Xiao Yan to the powerful cultivator. 28 29
• Xiao Xun'er — close childhood companion who encourages Xiao Yan and promises to support his ambitions. 29
• Nalan Yanran — former fiancée and opponent in the Three-Year Agreement. Their broken engagement drives much of Xiao Yan’s resentment and desire to grow stronger. 58 60 116
• Yun Yun — Nalan Yanran’s teacher and Gu Shenge’s partner. Xiao Yan first meets her in the Amethyst Winged Lion King’s cave. 53
• Medusa — pursues Xiao Yan after he is connected to the theft of the Ice Spirit Profound Coffin; her pressure leaves him critically injured before Gu Shenge intervenes. 116 117

Story Role / Major Arcs

Wutan City

Xiao Yan meets Gu Shenge, who is traveling under the alias Juan Shoutian and staying with the Xiao Clan through Xiao Ding’s invitation. Initially awestruck by a young Dou Huang, Xiao Yan resolves to continue striving toward greater strength. 28 29

During their trip to the Miteer Auction House, Gu Shenge reveals that he knows Xiao Yan’s secrets, leading to Yao Lao’s emergence and the arrangement that Gu Shenge will protect Xiao Yan in future crises. 30 31

Magic Beast Mountain Range

Seeking strength to confront the Jia Lie Clan himself, Xiao Yan asks Gu Shenge to take him to the Magic Beast Mountain Range. There, he obtains Blood Lotus Essence, clashes with the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, and reaches seven-star Dou Practitioner. 38 39 43

Gu Shenge rescues him from the aftermath of Yun Yun’s battle with the Amethyst Winged Lion King. Xiao Yan later infiltrates the lion king’s cave for the Companion Amethyst Source, only to call on Gu Shenge when discovered. 44 52 53

Ancient Cave Mansion and the Three-Year Agreement

At the Dragon Head Mountain cave dwelling, Xiao Yan repeatedly clashes with Nalan Yanran and seeks Gu Shenge’s help when she pursues him. He discovers that her cultivation has surged to three-star Dou Grandmaster, leaving him intensely jealous and worried about the Three-Year Agreement. 60 63

He continues cultivating to close the gap, but Nalan Yanran’s accelerated progress remains a major source of pressure. Despite this, he refuses the Life-Devouring Pill, deciding that victory is not worth shortening his life to three years. 116

Ice Spirit Profound Coffin Incident

Gu Shenge and Medusa track Xiao Yan as the suspected thief of the Ice Spirit Profound Coffin. Medusa nearly kills him with her pressure before Gu Shenge protects him and gives Yao Lao pills to stabilize and later treat his shattered meridians. 116 117

After waking, Xiao Yan learns of Han Feng’s Heavenly Flame and finds Han Feng’s storage ring, turning his misfortune into an opportunity for future growth. 119

Return to Jia Ma Holy City

Near the Three-Year Agreement, Xiao Yan returns incognito to Jia Ma Holy City with Ling Ying. He attends the Heaven Tier Auction as a peak Dou Grandmaster, seeking information and resources while anticipating his eventual confrontation with Nalan Yanran. 160 162 163

Notable Quotes

“Brother Juan, help! The madwoman is trying to kill me!” 60

“Forget it, I don't have the fortune to enjoy this pill.” 116

Trivia

• Xiao Yan initially considers Gu Shenge’s alias, “Juan Shoutian,” exceptionally arrogant. 29
• Gu Shenge calls him “Little Yanzi,” a nickname Xiao Yan hears during several rescue incidents. 44 60
• He is described as someone who keeps his word, takes responsibility for his actions, and repays kindness with gratitude. 26