Xiao Yan

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Xiao Yan (萧炎)
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Xiao Clan; Jia Nan Academy Inner Academy; Starfall Pavilion (Young Sect Master) 468
Occupation/Role	Cultivator; Alchemist; disciple of Yao Chen; Young Sect Master of Starfall Pavilion 468
First Appearance	11

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Dou Practitioner	61	Broke through after Xiao Jin's return to the Xiao Clan and support with cultivation resources.
One-Star Dou Shi	76	Refined the Green Lotus Core Flame; the Burning Mantra advanced to Mystic Rank Low Grade.
Two-Star Dou Shi	84	Revealed his advancement during the Xiao Clan's annual adulthood testing ceremony.
Three-Star Dou Shi	93	Displayed his strength while defending Xiao Yu and intimidating Luo Bu.
One-Star Dou Ling	156	Advanced using the Three-Pattern Green Spirit Pill and two Purple Heart Barrier-Breaking Pills; defeated five Dou Grandmasters simultaneously.
Five-Star Dou Ling	229	Reached this realm after a month of training before returning to Wutan City.
Two-Star Dou Emperor	369	Reached Dou Emperor before age twenty-one; possessed three Heavenly Flames and became a peak Sixth-Grade Alchemist.
Four-Star Dou Emperor	384	Advanced while spending a year forging Yao Chen's new body and preparing his resurrection.
Five-Star Dou Zong	468	Entered the Pill Gathering's Myriad Medicine Mountain Range with strength far beyond most participants.
Seven-Star Dou Zun	484	Refined the Three Thousand Burning Flame and Yao Chen's Bone Chilling Flame over two years.
Eight-Star Dou Zun	512	Refined the Turtle Spirit Earth Flame, advancing the Burning Mantra to a true low-grade Heaven Tier cultivation method.
Nine-Turn Dou Zun	539	Reached this realm after receiving and refining the Demon Phoenix Wings and their essence blood.
Peak Nine-Turn Dou Zun	546	Reached the peak of Nine-Turn Dou Zun and prepared to attempt a Dou Sheng breakthrough after obtaining the final Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame map fragment.
Dou Sheng	599	Broke through after refining the Fire Bodhi Pill's support and a portion of Soul Origin during seclusion in the Heavenly Tomb.
Late Two-Star Dou Sheng	601	Emerged from seclusion with Heaven Realm Great Perfection soul power before the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame's appearance.
Combat strength comparable to a Late Nine-Star Dou Sheng	651	After refining the Nihility Devouring Flame, he commanded eight Heavenly Flames through the Burning Mantra.

Background

For three years, Yao Chen secretly absorbed Xiao Yan's Dou Qi. After Yao Chen awakened, Xiao Yan confronted him and demanded compensation, ultimately asking the continent's foremost alchemist to assess his potential as an alchemist. 14

Although Xiao Jin and the Pill Tower Ancestor knew the cause of Xiao Yan's regression, they did not expose Yao Chen prematurely. They believed the years of humiliation and hardship were necessary to temper Xiao Yan's formerly sharp and arrogant character. 3

Nalan Yanran's public attempt to annul their engagement became a lasting humiliation and motivation for Xiao Yan. Xiao Jin defended him during the dispute, arguing that Xiao Yan had never been given a choice in the marriage contract. 18 Xiao Yan later regarded defeating Nalan Yanran in the Three-Year Agreement as the way to eliminate the inner demon left by that humiliation. 157

Under Yao Chen's demanding instruction, Xiao Yan developed the ability to fight far above his nominal cultivation. As a One-Star Dou Practitioner, he could contend with opponents at the Seven-Star Dou Practitioner level while fighting several Jia Lie Clan youths at once. 67

Xiao Yan later learned that the Xiao Clan descends from the fallen Xiao Tribe, an Ancient Emperor Clan whose Dou Emperor Bloodline was exhausted after Xiao Xuan's failed attempt to become a Dou Emperor and the Soul Clan's subsequent assault. This revelation strengthened his desire to restore the Xiao Tribe's former glory. 391 485

Personality

Xiao Yan is proud, direct, and highly sensitive to humiliation, particularly where the Xiao Clan and his own dignity are concerned. He initially retains resentment toward Nalan Yanran, but eventually gains enough perspective to treat their conflict as a burden he must personally resolve rather than a rivalry defining his entire path. 157 232

His earlier arrogance was tempered by the three years in which he lost his cultivation, making him more resilient without erasing his pride. He later refuses to boast about his status as Starfall Pavilion's Young Sect Master, regarding reliance on background rather than personal ability with disdain. 3 468

He is fiercely grateful to those who aid him. Xiao Yan credits Xiao Jin for supplying resources and Heavenly Flames, while recognizing Yao Chen's teaching as essential to realizing his talent. His determination to resurrect Yao Chen remains a central goal even after reaching the Dou Emperor realm. 369

Though he wants to catch up to and surpass Xiao Jin, he refuses to rely solely on his brother's prestige. He instead focuses on cultivation, swordsmanship, and establishing his own accomplishments. 167

Xiao Yan is deeply loyal to Xiao Jin. Even when the Purifying Lotus Demonic Saint attempted to seize his body, he continued resisting because he refused to let the saint harm Xiao Jin. 612

Abilities & Skills

Burning Mantra

A cultivation method that evolves as Xiao Yan refines Heavenly Flames.

• Advanced to Mystic Rank Low Grade after he refined the Green Lotus Core Flame. 76
• Reached Earth Rank Low Grade after he refined the Sea Heart Flame. 158
• Supports his ability to wield and combine multiple Heavenly Flames. 158 369
• Advanced to a true low-grade Heaven Tier cultivation method after he refined the Turtle Spirit Earth Flame. 512
• By the time he refined the Nihility Devouring Flame, the Burning Mantra united eight Heavenly Flames within his body. 651

Heavenly Flame Manipulation

Xiao Yan employs multiple Heavenly Flames to fight above his realm.

• Used fused Heavenly Flames to overwhelm Eight-Star Dou Ling Nalan Su. 158
• Could exchange several moves with a genuine Dou King despite being only a One-Star Dou Ling. 158
• Possessed three Heavenly Flames by the time he reached the Dou Emperor realm. 369
• Later refined the Three Thousand Burning Flame and Bone Chilling Flame. 484
• Refined the Turtle Spirit Earth Flame, bringing his number of controlled Heavenly Flames to six. 512 603
• His six-flame fusion was still suppressed by the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame's overwhelming rank and power. 603
• After refining the Nihility Devouring Flame, he possessed eight Heavenly Flames, second only to Xiao Jin in total number. 651

Alchemy

Trained by Yao Chen, Xiao Yan steadily develops into a high-level alchemist.

• Refined a fourth-grade Green Spirit Pill despite being a third-grade alchemist. 99
• Became a peak Sixth-Grade Alchemist before age twenty-one. 369
• His alchemical training and cultivation are closely tied to his efforts to resurrect Yao Chen. 157 369
• Reached the Spirit Realm in soul power, gaining the ability to refine eighth-grade medicinal pills. 412
• Became an intermediate Eighth-Grade Alchemist and possessed the Spirit-Ascension Method. 457
• Reached Heaven Realm Great Perfection in soul power during his Dou Sheng seclusion. 601

Soul Power

Xiao Yan possesses unusually strong soul power due in part to his transmigration, granting him an advantage in alchemy and flame control over cultivators of the same age. 206

• Broke through from the Mortal Realm to the Spirit Realm through Yao Chen's Spirit-Nurturing Dust. 412
• Reached Heaven Realm Great Perfection while breaking through to the Dou Sheng realm. 601
• Resisted the Purifying Lotus Demonic Saint's attempted possession for more than half an hour despite the vast disparity in their soul realms. 612

Dou Techniques

• Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations — Xiao Xuan's secret technique, which Xiao Yan learned in its complete form and can activate with three Heavenly Flames to raise his combat power to the peak of the Dou Zong realm. 391 468
• Five-Wheel Fire Technique — A fire-control technique Xiao Yan mastered in only two months while preparing for Yao Chen's resurrection. 384
• Vajra Glazed Body — A Heaven-tier low-grade Dou Technique obtained at the Space Auction that improves both his offensive and defensive capabilities. 551

Combat Ability

Xiao Yan consistently exceeds opponents of the same realm through techniques, flames, and combat experience.

• Defeated Four-Star Dou Practitioner Luo Bu with ease as a Three-Star Dou Shi. 93 94
• Defeated five Dou Grandmasters simultaneously after advancing to One-Star Dou Ling. 156
• Defeated Eight-Star Dou Ling Nalan Su while only at One-Star Dou Ling. 158
• Defeated an Eight-Star Dou Ling ranked sixth on the Inner Academy's Strong Ranking. 206
• Could raise his combat strength to the peak of the Dou Zong realm through the Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations. 468
• Earned the Ancient Clan youth's respect through repeated sparring before the Heavenly Tomb expedition. 486
• Following his refinement of the Nihility Devouring Flame, possessed combat strength no weaker than a Late Nine-Star Dou Sheng. 651

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Heavy Xuan Ruler — Xiao Yan's weapon during the Three-Year Agreement battle against Nalan Yanran. 232
• Demon Phoenix Wings — Given and modified by Xiao Xuan; significantly increase Xiao Yan's speed and strength. 539
  • At peak Nine-Turn Dou Zun, the wings grant him speed comparable to a Dou Sheng. 546
  • The essence blood within the wings helped elevate Xiao Yan to the peak of Nine-Turn Dou Zun. 547
• Seven-Illusion Green Spirit Saliva — Obtained to assist Yao Chen's resurrection. 157
• Bodhi Heart — Given to Xiao Yan by Xiao Jin to support his attempt to reach the Dou Sheng realm. 558
• Fire Bodhi Pill — Provided by Xiao Jin to support Xiao Yan's breakthrough from peak Nine-Turn Dou Zun to Dou Sheng. 592

Relationships

• Xiao Jin — Brother and principal supporter. Xiao Jin provides cultivation resources, Heavenly Flames, and assistance against the Nalan Clan; Xiao Yan seeks to catch up to and surpass him. 156 157 369 The brothers later reunite at the Demonic Flame Plains, where Xiao Jin cautions Xiao Yan against underestimating the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame. 603
• Yao Chen — Master and mentor. Yao Chen initially absorbed Xiao Yan's Dou Qi, then trained him in alchemy and cultivation; Xiao Yan is determined to resurrect him. 14 369 Xiao Yan ultimately refined Yao Chen's body and restored him to life, after which Yao Chen entrusted him with the Bone Chilling Flame. 384 484
• Nalan Yanran — Former fiancée and opponent in the Three-Year Agreement. Her annulment of their engagement drove Xiao Yan's early determination; their eventual duel offers him closure. 18 232
• Xiao Xuan — Ancestor of the Xiao Tribe. Xiao Xuan recognizes Xiao Yan as a descendant, helps him obtain the Demon Phoenix Wings, and grants him a major opportunity after the Heavenly Tomb expedition. 497 539 546 After returning to life, Xiao Xuan disguises himself to protect Xiao Yan from potential Soul Clan threats during the Space Auction. 547
• Xun'er — Fellow Heavenly Tomb expedition member. Xiao Yan earns the Ancient Clan youths' recognition before joining her and Xiao Jin in the expedition. 486
• Skyfire Venerable — An allied senior who agreed to protect Xiao Yan for three years in exchange for Xiao Jin's assistance with his resurrection. 206
• Cao Ying — An alchemist of the Pill Tower who intervenes against Chen Xian during the Young Alchemist Exchange Meeting on Xuan Kongzi's instructions. 468
• Soul Hall — Hostile faction. Xiao Yan has killed several of its Protectors and an elder, prompting Yao Chen to seek an alliance with the Pill Tower. 456
• Soul Clan — A central enemy of the Xiao Tribe and its allies. Xiao Yan joins Xiao Jin against its experts at the Demonic Flame Plains and later fights in the allied war after refining the Nihility Devouring Flame. 603 651
• Purifying Lotus Demonic Saint — A hostile remnant soul that attempts to seize Xiao Yan's body during the struggle for the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame. 612

Story Role / Major Arcs

Nalan Engagement and the Three-Year Agreement

Xiao Yan is publicly humiliated by Nalan Yanran's engagement annulment, then turns that humiliation into motivation for cultivation. He ultimately defeats her after three years, using the battle to put the past behind him. 18 76 232

Jia Nan Academy

After gaining entry to the Inner Academy, Xiao Yan demonstrates his potential by defeating Luo Bu and later defeating five Dou Grandmasters at once. His strength qualifies him for Inner Academy training despite his youth. 94 156 185

Nalan Clan Conflict

Xiao Yan joins Xiao Jin in confronting the Nalan Clan. He defeats Nalan Su with Heavenly Flames, proving that his combat strength greatly exceeds his One-Star Dou Ling cultivation. 158

Yao Chen's Resurrection

Xiao Yan acquires materials and pursues stronger flames and alchemical ability to restore Yao Chen. The rare materials supplied by Xiao Jin allow Yao Chen to revive directly as a Two-Star Dou Sheng. 157 384 386

Pill Gathering and Starfall Pavilion

After reaching the Spirit Realm, Xiao Yan becomes capable of eighth-grade alchemy and participates in the Pill Tower's major alchemical events. As Starfall Pavilion's Young Sect Master, he enters the Young Alchemist Exchange Meeting and receives assistance from Cao Ying against the Mysterious Underworld Sect. 412 468

Heavenly Tomb and Central Plains

Xiao Yan earns a place in the Heavenly Tomb expedition, meets Xiao Xuan, and learns more of the Xiao Tribe's legacy. 486 497 He later refines the Turtle Spirit Earth Flame, receives the Demon Phoenix Wings, and advances from Seven-Star Dou Zun to peak Nine-Turn Dou Zun. 484 512 539 546

Dou Sheng Breakthrough and the Demonic Flame Plains

With Xiao Jin's Fire Bodhi Pill and Soul Origin obtained at the Space Auction, Xiao Yan breaks into the Dou Sheng realm and reaches Late Two-Star Dou Sheng with Heaven Realm Great Perfection soul power. 592 599 601 He then travels to the Demonic Flame Plains for the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame, where the Purifying Lotus Demonic Saint attempts to seize his body. 603 612

Soul Clan War

Xiao Yan eventually refines the Nihility Devouring Flame, bringing his total to eight Heavenly Flames. His resulting combat strength reaches the Late Nine-Star Dou Sheng level, allowing him to annihilate Soul Clan Dou Shengs alongside the allied forces. 651