Xiao Huo

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Xiao Huo is the Sixth Academy's chief instructor and a prominent support-profession expert at Magic Capital Martial University. His academy specializes in fields such as alchemy, artifact forging, pharmaceuticals, formations, and command, while his own status grants him extensive resources and connections. 30 38 39

Xiao Huo is an instructor who accepts Qin Yan and Lu Youyou as disciples. Although Qin Yan initially failed to meet Xiao Huo's recruitment requirements, Xiao Huo was moved by Qin Yan's resolve and accepted him as an intern disciple before formally guiding him on the martial and alchemy paths. 36 37 38

His stated recruitment requirements are official Martial Artist status and alchemy skills at Second Stage or above. Qin Yan meets neither condition when approaching him. At Lu Youyou's suggestion, Xiao Huo instead grants Qin Yan a one-year internship, with the understanding that insufficient progress would end their master-disciple relationship and leave Qin Yan free to seek another mentor. 36 37

His school includes senior disciples who have served on the Alien Battlefield, such as Third Senior Sister Ye Hongxiao, Fourth Senior Brother Chu Feng, and Fifth Senior Brother Fang Da. His eldest disciple is Yun Miaomiao, who becomes separated from the school while pursuing cultivation through the All Heavens. 68 187 466 1009

He maintains a Teacher-Student Group through which his disciples can communicate. After Qin Yan begins successfully refining First-Rank pills, Xiao Huo adds him and Lu Youyou to the group and explains that their other senior brothers and sisters are serving on the Alien Battlefield. 87

He is a director of Hundred Herbs Hall, a position that gives his disciples significant protection there. When Qin Yan is mistreated at the hall, Fang Da intervenes as Xiao Huo’s fifth disciple and removes the responsible staff; Qin Yan subsequently learns of his teacher’s authority within the organization. 68

Xiao Huo also holds shares in Hundred Herbs Hall. Fang Da explains that his words carry considerable weight within the company, revealing that his influence extends beyond his university position. Qin Yan speculates about his teacher's immense wealth, but no exact net worth is confirmed. 68

Xiao Huo is identified as a Sixth-Rank Alchemy Grandmaster, a title granted in recognition of alchemical standards that have reached the Grandmaster level despite his martial cultivation remaining at Peak Sixth Grade. During Qin Yan's consultation on forging a Lifebound Spirit Weapon, he is additionally described as a Half-Step Alchemy Grandmaster whose own spirit weapon has reached Six Hundred Patterns. 29 68 70 445 446

His title is unusual because both martial artists and alchemists normally require Seventh Rank to be called Grandmasters. His peers unanimously recognize his alchemical standards despite his lower martial realm. Wen Ning regards him as still young and highly likely to become a Seventh-Rank expert, which would make him a Grandmaster of both martial cultivation and alchemy; this remains an expectation rather than a confirmed breakthrough. 70

During the increased pill demand following Grandmaster-level warfare at the Zhenhai Defense Line, Xiao Huo remains heavily occupied with alchemy work. Despite his workload, he continues to monitor his disciples' growth and gives Lu Youyou leave to rest after her own intensive alchemy duties. 376

He, Lu Youyou, and other members of the alchemy department are temporarily mobilized to the Zhenhai Battlefield defense line. He later sends Qin Yan an encrypted internal reference document to help prepare him for deployment. 374 377

As Qin Yan prepares to depart for Mystic Academy and the Yellow Spring Star River, Xiao Huo reflects that Qin Yan's extraordinary growth has largely come from his own effort and opportunities rather than direct instruction. He nevertheless takes great pride in Qin Yan and arranges for the school of disciples to see him off. 439 446

At Qin Yan's farewell banquet, Xiao Huo gives him a Token associated with his eldest disciple, hoping that they may encounter one another in the various worlds. This Token later allows Qin Yan to prove his shared connection with Yun Miaomiao after rescuing her in Emperor Fall Valley. 466 1008 1009

His parting gifts also include five bottles of Sixth-Grade Five Elements Spirit Pills to support Qin Yan's continued cultivation. 467

Personality

Although his name contains the character for “fire” and he can be straightforward, Xiao Huo teaches with notable patience and precision. He explains the principles, rhythm, dangers, and safeguards of body tempering in detail rather than merely issuing instructions. 38

He is stern with his disciples when necessary, particularly with Ye Hongxiao’s unruly behavior, but his affection and relief are evident when she and the other battlefield-tested disciples return safely. 187

Xiao Huo takes pride in Qin Yan’s achievements, though he also feels he has not personally taught Qin Yan enough because much of Qin Yan’s growth comes through his own effort and opportunities. He is stunned and immensely proud when Qin Yan reveals that he won the Hidden Dragon Assembly. 373 374 439

Despite initially trying to dissuade Qin Yan from dividing his focus between martial cultivation and alchemy, Xiao Huo respects his disciple's determination and provides earnest guidance once Qin Yan commits to the path. 36 37

He is candid in evaluating his students' circumstances and does not conceal the costs or dangers of their choices. He warns Qin Yan against spreading himself too thin, explains the immense resource requirements of high-level cultivation techniques, and expresses concern about Qin Yan entering the dangerous Hidden Dragon Assembly. 36 188 189 190

Xiao Huo appreciates sincere admiration for his alchemical accomplishments. Qin Yan's detailed praise of his Dragon Tiger Pill refinement noticeably softens his initial dismissal of the prospective disciple. 36

He places considerable importance on a disciple's character and perseverance. His unusual willingness to continue advising Qin Yan despite the unmet recruitment standards reflects both his appreciation of Qin Yan's sincerity and his reluctance to let a promising student harm his future through a poor choice. 36 37

He is considerate of Qin Yan's ordinary background. When Lu Youyou comments on Xiao Wangshu's formidable family support, Xiao Huo refrains from pointing out the strength of Lu Youyou's own family because he does not want to discourage Qin Yan, whose achievements have largely been earned without comparable backing. 84

He treats failed alchemy attempts as opportunities for learning rather than grounds for humiliation. When Lu Youyou explodes a furnace in front of Qin Yan, he reassures her without blame and acknowledges that he experienced countless furnace explosions during his own early training. 85

He prefers his young disciples to gain battlefield experience without prematurely exposing themselves to frontline slaughter. He is pleased when Qin Yan agrees to prioritize the relatively safe Alchemy Department for battlefield service, considering it a way to contribute while preserving time for cultivation. 376

His concern for his disciples persists across long separations. At Qin Yan's farewell, his worry and longing for his absent eldest disciple prompt him to entrust Qin Yan with her Token. 466

Abilities & Skills

Alchemy

Xiao Huo is an accomplished alchemist capable of refining high-quality pills with controlled flame techniques.

• Is listed as a Sixth-Grade Alchemy Grandmaster in his instructor profile and is later described as a Half-Step Alchemy Grandmaster. 29 68 445 446
• Refined a quasi-Seventh-Grade Dragon Tiger Pill across ranks at an Alchemist Conference, demonstrating exceptional control of heat and medicinal-property fusion. 36
• Refined a batch of ten pills, comprising seven high-grade and three mid-grade pills. 45
• Successfully refined ten high-tier Fourth-Grade pills in a single batch. 84
• Possesses a powerful spiritual sense sufficient to notice Qin Yan’s arrival while continuing an active alchemy process. 45
• Commands an orange Alchemy Flame manifested as six lifelike Flame Dragons, using them to precisely refine and purify medicinal ingredients. Their heat can visibly distort the surrounding air. 45 58 84
• Demonstrates the refinement process for the unranked Freshness Pill, including calming the mind, warming the furnace, refining ingredients, merging medicinal liquids, and condensing pills. 59
• Can use Beast Fire in place of his own Alchemy Flame when demonstrating techniques suitable for low-rank students. 59
• Personally demonstrates the complete refinement procedure for a First-Rank Blood Qi Pill and shares its formula, along with the formula for the Body Tempering Pill, with Qin Yan. 86
• Subsequently demonstrates Body Tempering Pill refinement before Qin Yan successfully produces six low-grade pills on his first attempt. 87
• Tests Qin Yan extensively on the properties, incompatibilities, environments, and identification methods of spiritual herbs, recognizing the breadth of his disciple's theoretical knowledge. 58
• Encourages Qin Yan and Lu Youyou to observe high-grade pill refinement so that they can study both the successful procedure and the handling of potential problems. 84 85
• Diagnoses errors in Lu Youyou's Bone-Forging Pill refinement, including inadequate removal of impurities caused by rushing an ingredient's tempering process. 85
• His standing provides him with access to leading support-profession circles, though even he cannot afford the fee charged by Artifact Refining Grandmaster Lu Zhen for forging with Creation Divine Iron. 444 446
• Provides Qin Yan with foundational reference works, including the Complete Guide to Low-Grade Spiritual Herbs and the Complete Guide to Low-Grade Spirit Meat. 46 58 59
• Authorizes Qin Yan to use the Academy Public Alchemy Room independently and sends its rules and precautions to his student account. 87
• His sustained guidance helps Lu Youyou become a Fourth-Rank alchemist by the time Qin Yan prepares to leave for Mystic Academy. 439

Cultivation Guidance

Xiao Huo provides direct supervision during dangerous cultivation breakthroughs.

• Explains that an instructor can regulate tempering intensity, suppress chaotic blood energy, and prevent damage to a student’s foundation. 38
• Grants Qin Yan access to the Sixth Academy and temporary use of his private cultivation space, allowing him to seek guidance in either cultivation or alchemy. 38
• Selects and sends Qin Yan four spear-based Body-Tempering Martial Techniques: Flood Dragon Python Shedding Skin Spear, Blazing Sun Melting Snow Spear, Mystic Ice Spear Technique, and Nine Revolutions Golden Body Spear. 41
• Warns Qin Yan that the Nine Revolutions Golden Body Spear possesses extraordinary potential but is notoriously difficult to master. 42
• Obtains university approval to teach Qin Yan the Top Grade Nine Revolutions Golden Body Spear and sends him the technique after he confirms his choice. 42
• Examines Qin Yan through a gentle current of energy and discovers that he has condensed qi only six days after receiving the technique, dispelling his earlier concern that its difficulty would delay his progress. 45
• Personally stands guard during Qin Yan’s first flesh-and-skin tempering, monitoring Qin Yan’s condition with spiritual power. 46
• Provides First-Rank Blood Qi Pills and Body Tempering Pills for Qin Yan's first tempering and breakthrough. 46
• Gives precise, sequential instructions for tempering Qin Yan’s upper limbs, lower limbs, feet, ankles, waist, core, and leg muscles. 46
• Advises Qin Yan to prioritize Martial Dao cultivation and establish the goal of reaching the top thirty in the Monthly Exam. 84
• Encourages Lu Youyou to prepare for a breakthrough into the Silver Skin Realm while cautioning her not to become excessively pressured by Xiao Wangshu's progress. 84
• Advises Qin Yan that fire- and wood-attribute cultivation techniques are especially suitable for an alchemist, as fire benefits pill refinement while wood strengthens vitality and sensitivity to medicinal properties. 189
• Explains that the Five Elements Sect's inheritances require immense resources and auxiliary Sixth-Grade materials, even though he cannot offer Qin Yan a superior technique. Most require a corresponding Seventh-Grade resource for a perfect beginning. 189 190
• Recognizes that Qin Yan has awakened a special Body Tempering Art from the exceptional stability of his foundation and fullness of his blood qi after Qin Yan returns from the Hidden Dragon Assembly; Qin Yan identifies it as the Undying Blood Codex. 374
• Warns that the Five Elements Chaos Genesis has defeated many geniuses through its cultivation difficulty and resource demands, advising Qin Yan not to persist indefinitely if he cannot make progress. 376
• Recognizes Qin Yan’s advancement from Peak Fourth Rank to Mid-Fifth Grade through his restrained True Qi aura. 444
• Sends Qin Yan the encrypted “Overview and Precautions for the Zhenhai Battlefield Defense Line (Internal Reference)” to support his battlefield preparation. 377

Mental Strength and Alchemy Instruction

Xiao Huo carefully monitors the mental demands of alchemy and intervenes when Qin Yan overextends himself.

• Guides Qin Yan through his first practical alchemy attempt and notices his unusual difficulty controlling Beast Fire. 60
• Calms Qin Yan’s unstable Beast Fire following a failed refinement attempt and gives him a Mind-Clearing Pill to relieve mental exhaustion. 61
• Explains the importance of Mental Strength for martial artists and auxiliary professions, including alchemy and artifact forging. 61
• Explains that greater Mental Strength before beginning a dedicated cultivation method indicates better talent and faster subsequent cultivation. 61
• Notes that Mental Strength below 100 Hz cannot ordinarily be measured accurately and explains the approximate talent classifications used for low-rank martial artists. 61 62
• Describes 90–100 Hz as the level of innate prodigies or Divine Seeds, who may possess unusual inborn traits or abilities. 62
• Recommends the Nourishing Spirit Pill as a safe, foundational method for low-rank martial artists to steadily improve Mental Strength. 62
• Warns that taking such pills too frequently can cause serious mental damage, a warning Qin Yan later recalls while pushing his own pill consumption. 72
• Patiently guides Lu Youyou in refining Bone-Forging Pills and oversees Qin Yan's developing alchemy skills. 86
• Notices the striking improvement in Qin Yan's Beast Fire control during his later practical attempt, contrasting it with the severe exhaustion of his first session. 86

Spirit Weapon Knowledge

Xiao Huo understands the long-term requirements and risks of Lifebound Spirit Weapons.

• Explains that a spirit weapon must first be forged as an embryo, then nurtured with essence blood, True Qi, and mental connection before it can become lifebound. 444
• Identifies Qin Yan’s Creation Divine Iron as a divine material and recognizes its exceptional value. 444
• Emphasizes that forging materials determine a Lifebound Spirit Weapon's long-term potential and offers to help Qin Yan search the Sixth Academy's treasury if he lacks suitable materials. 444
• Warns that material fusion during spirit-weapon advancement can fail, severely damaging or completely ruining the weapon. 445
• His own Lifebound Spirit Weapon is at the Six Hundred Patterns level. He has invested substantial wealth in nurturing materials and Master Artifact Refiners, and avoids casually attempting further upgrades because failure could destroy decades of effort. 445
• Explains that an ordinary Sixth-Grade martial artist would already be fortunate to possess a Two Hundred Patterns Lifebound Spirit Weapon. 445
• Explains that Vice Dean Yuan Chong, an Artifact Refining Grandmaster, is unavailable due to his travels through the Ten Thousand Realms, preventing Qin Yan from commissioning a weapon before departing for the Yellow Spring Star River. 446
• Knows of Artifact Refining Grandmaster Lu Zhen, but acknowledges that Lu Zhen's price and temperament make a direct commission difficult; he advises Qin Yan to seek Lu Youyou's assistance instead. 446
• Reveals that Lu Youyou is Lu Zhen's beloved granddaughter, making her a possible intermediary despite the artifact forger's difficult disposition toward others. 446

Knowledge of High-Level Experts

• Infers that the mysterious expert who instantly suppressed three Venerables during Qin Yan's return journey must be a True King. 373
• Understands Mystic Academy's exceptionally strict selection standards, its four-year academic term, and the possibility that outstanding graduates may remain there rather than immediately return home. 439
• Has heard that exceptionally outstanding graduates may compete for Holy Son and Holy Maiden positions, but explicitly remains uncertain about the truth of this information. 439

Equipment / Items

• Lifebound Spirit Weapon — has reached Six Hundred Patterns. Its advancement represents decades of effort and considerable expenditure on materials and artifact refiners. 445
• Dark-Red Pill Furnace — an ancient-looking, three-legged furnace about half a person's height, decorated with flame-and-cloud patterns and kept in his private Pill Chamber. 38 45 59
• Storage Ring — used to carry items such as the Complete Guide to Low-Grade Spirit Meat. 58
• Jade Bottle — used to collect refined pills. 45
• Purple Jade Pill Bottle — used to store the high-tier Fourth-Grade pills he refines. 84
• Scarlet Alchemist's Robe — his signature attire; he is also seen wearing a dark crimson mentor's robe. 186 372
• Smart Bracelet — used to manage communications, including adding Qin Yan and Lu Youyou to the Teacher-Student Group. 87
• Yun Miaomiao's Token — a jade Token bearing the character “Yun,” entrusted to Qin Yan at his farewell banquet. It is paired with another Token and can glow when Yun Miaomiao is within a certain range. Qin Yan later presents it to her as proof of their shared teacher. 466 1009
• Sixth-Grade Five Elements Spirit Pills — gives Qin Yan five bottles as a farewell gift before his departure for the Yellow Spring Star River. 467

Relationships

• Qin Yan — disciple. Xiao Huo initially warns Qin Yan against pursuing alchemy at the expense of martial cultivation, but accepts his determination and becomes his mentor. He supervises Qin Yan’s First-Rank breakthrough, teaches him alchemy, supports his cultivation decisions, takes pride in his victory at the Hidden Dragon Assembly, and later assists him in seeking an artifact forger for a Lifebound Spirit Weapon. 37 46 61 373 374 444 446 Before Qin Yan leaves for Mystic Academy, Xiao Huo hosts a farewell banquet and entrusts him with his eldest disciple's Token and five bottles of Sixth-Grade Five Elements Spirit Pills. Later, Qin Yan reflects with both pride and melancholy that he may already be stronger than his teacher. 466 467 596
• Lu Youyou — disciple. Xiao Huo encourages her to train harder after Qin Yan’s rapid advancement and provides her ongoing instruction in pill refinement. 187 374 86 Her suggestion enables Qin Yan's initial admission as a one-year intern disciple, and she later reaches Fourth-Rank alchemist under Xiao Huo's guidance. 37 439 He reassures her after failed refinements, identifies the causes of her mistakes, and encourages Qin Yan to consult her practical alchemy experience. 85 87
• Yun Miaomiao — eldest disciple and Qin Yan's long-lost Senior Sister. Xiao Huo worries about her during her absence and gives Qin Yan her Token in the hope that they might meet in the various worlds. When Qin Yan eventually rescues her, their shared connection to Xiao Huo establishes their identity as fellow disciples and restores her trust. 466 1008 1009
• Fang Da — fifth disciple. Fang Da protects Qin Yan at Hundred Herbs Hall due to their shared connection under Xiao Huo. 68
• Chu Feng — fourth disciple and a skilled alchemist capable of refining First- through Fifth-Grade pills. 187
• Gu Yue — second disciple. Gu Yue gives Qin Yan and Lu Youyou a drop of Grandmaster True Blood as a meeting gift after returning with the other senior disciples. 188 439
• Ye Hongxiao — third disciple. Despite frequently scolding her flighty behavior, Xiao Huo cares deeply for her safety and growth. 187
• Lu Zhen — Artifact Refining Grandmaster known to Xiao Huo. Xiao Huo cannot directly compel or afford Lu Zhen's services, but believes Lu Youyou may be able to persuade him to forge Qin Yan's weapon. He identifies Lu Zhen as Lu Youyou's doting grandfather. 446
• Yuan Chong — Vice Dean and Artifact Refining Grandmaster whose absence prevents Xiao Huo from recommending him to forge Qin Yan's Lifebound Spirit Weapon. 446
• Hundred Herbs Hall — Xiao Huo serves as one of its directors and holds shares in the company. 68
• Sixth Academy — Xiao Huo serves as its chief instructor and is among its foremost figures beneath the dean and vice dean. 39 444

Story Role / Major Arcs

Qin Yan’s Entry into Martial Cultivation

After Qin Yan approaches him despite failing to meet his recruitment standards, Xiao Huo earnestly attempts to dissuade him from neglecting martial cultivation for alchemy. Qin Yan's persistence ultimately earns Xiao Huo's approval and admission as an intern disciple. 36 37

Lu Youyou proposes the one-year internship as a compromise, allowing Qin Yan to test his potential without permanently committing to an unsuitable mentor. Xiao Huo accepts the arrangement and makes clear that inadequate progress would automatically end their relationship. 37

Xiao Huo then explains the process of condensing Qi and tempering the body, selects suitable spear-based Body-Tempering Martial Techniques for Qin Yan, and personally safeguards Qin Yan’s breakthrough into the First-Rank Martial Artist realm. 38 41 46

When Qin Yan chooses the Nine Revolutions Golden Body Spear, Xiao Huo warns him about its exceptional difficulty but secures university approval to transmit it. Only six days later, he is astonished to discover that Qin Yan has already condensed qi, and his worries that the technique would obstruct his disciple's development disappear. 42 45

He also supplies the Blood Qi Pills and Body Tempering Pills needed for Qin Yan's first tempering, combining material support with precise instructions throughout the breakthrough. 46

Qin Yan’s Early Alchemy Training

Xiao Huo tests Qin Yan’s knowledge of spiritual herbs, teaches him the principles of Alchemy Flame, and begins directing his practical refinement attempts. When Qin Yan suffers mental exhaustion from losing control of Beast Fire, Xiao Huo immediately stabilizes the flames and treats him with a Mind-Clearing Pill. 58 59 60 61

He explains the importance and classifications of Mental Strength and recommends Nourishing Spirit Pills as a suitable means of gradual improvement for low-rank martial artists. His warning against excessive pill consumption later becomes relevant when Qin Yan pushes himself toward the threshold needed for alchemy. 62 72

He later allows Qin Yan and Lu Youyou to watch his advanced pill refinement, explains the instructional value of observing the process, and continues overseeing their practical alchemy development. 84 85 86

After Lu Youyou explodes a furnace while refining Bone-Forging Pills, Xiao Huo consoles her and identifies the errors that caused the failure, emphasizing that failed refinements provide valuable experience. 85

During Qin Yan's subsequent practical demonstration, Xiao Huo is surprised by his now-fluid Beast Fire control and wonders how his disciple has improved so dramatically since the earlier exhausting attempt. 86

Qin Yan then produces ten high-grade Freshness Pills, followed by successful first attempts at Blood Qi Pills and Body Tempering Pills after Xiao Huo's demonstrations. Xiao Huo grants him independent access to the Academy Public Alchemy Room, encourages him to consult Lu Youyou, and adds both juniors to the Teacher-Student Group. He promises to introduce them to their senior brothers and sisters when they return from battlefield rotations. 86 87

Hundred Herbs Hall Incident

His influence is revealed when Fang Da protects Qin Yan from Xue Song and Long Tao at Hundred Herbs Hall, identifying Qin Yan as Xiao Huo’s junior disciple. 68

The incident also reveals Xiao Huo's directorship and shareholding in the company. His reputation as a Sixth-Rank Alchemy Grandmaster helps convince Wen Ning that Qin Yan has a powerful mentor and is worth befriending. 68 70

Reunion of the Disciples

Xiao Huo introduces Qin Yan and Lu Youyou to returning senior disciples Ye Hongxiao and Chu Feng, reaffirming the supportive ties within his school. 187

He is gratified by the warmth between his disciples when Chu Feng and Gu Yue present Qin Yan and Lu Youyou with valuable cultivation gifts, seeing the seniors' care for their juniors as the ideal result of mentorship. 188

Hidden Dragon Assembly Deliberation

Xiao Huo asks Qin Yan and Lu Youyou about their intentions regarding Princess Anya's Hidden Dragon Assembly. He accepts Lu Youyou's decision not to participate due to the danger and her family's concerns, while remaining particularly worried about Qin Yan's eventual choice. 188

When Qin Yan seeks guidance on a suitable future inheritance, Xiao Huo candidly admits that he has nothing superior to the Five Elements Sect's techniques. He nevertheless explains their severe resource demands and advises Qin Yan to favor fire- or wood-attribute techniques that complement the Alchemy Path. 189 190

He acknowledges Ye Hongxiao's firsthand experience from the previous Assembly, but worries that her persuasive account of its rewards may encourage Qin Yan to act impulsively. 189

Hidden Dragon Assembly Return

Xiao Huo summons Qin Yan to his Alchemy Chamber on July 25 and confirms that he has reached the Third Grade Limit. 372

When Qin Yan returns from the Hidden Dragon Assembly and reveals that he won first place, Xiao Huo is stunned and immensely proud of his youngest disciple’s achievement. 373 374

After learning that a mysterious expert suppressed three Venerables who threatened Qin Yan, Xiao Huo identifies the likely level of that expert as True King. 373

Xiao Huo further deduces that Qin Yan has awakened a special Body Tempering Art after observing the extraordinary stability of his foundation and unusually abundant blood qi. Qin Yan confirms this and names the art the Undying Blood Codex. 374

When Qin Yan reveals his intention to cultivate the Five Elements Chaos Genesis, Xiao Huo warns that its difficulty and resource consumption have thwarted many geniuses. He accepts Qin Yan's determination after advising him to proceed cautiously and abandon the attempt if he cannot make progress. 376

Zhenhai Defense Line Pill Demand

During the surge in demand for medicinal pills caused by Grandmaster-level warfare at the Zhenhai Defense Line, Xiao Huo remains engaged in intensive alchemy work as a core member of the Alchemy Department. He nevertheless urges the exhausted Lu Youyou to rest and recuperate. 376

Lu Youyou explains that she, Xiao Huo, and other senior members of the alchemy department have been temporarily mobilized to the defense line. Xiao Huo subsequently sends Qin Yan an encrypted internal overview of the battlefield and its precautions, which Qin Yan studies while preparing for his own deployment. 374 377

He approves of Qin Yan's decision to prioritize service in the Alchemy Department, regarding it as a safer way for his disciple to gain experience and contribute without entering frontline combat too early. 376

Lifebound Spirit Weapon Consultation

After Qin Yan reaches Mid-Fifth Grade, Xiao Huo evaluates his plan to forge a spear-type Lifebound Spirit Weapon and is shocked by the revelation that Qin Yan possesses Creation Divine Iron. 444

He explains the importance of a spirit weapon's initial materials and the dangers of later material fusion. Using his own Six Hundred Patterns weapon as an example, he describes the wealth and effort required to nurture a powerful weapon and his reluctance to risk destroying it through an unsuccessful upgrade. 445

When Yuan Chong is unavailable, Xiao Huo informs Qin Yan of Lu Zhen, an Artifact Refining Grandmaster who may be capable of forging the divine material, while warning that Lu Zhen's price and disposition make his agreement uncertain. 446

He then reveals that Lu Zhen is Lu Youyou's grandfather and suggests approaching him through her, turning an apparently inaccessible commission into a realistic possibility. 446

Qin Yan’s Departure Preparations

Before Qin Yan leaves for Mystic Academy, Xiao Huo expresses both pride and regret over how little direct guidance he has been able to provide his unusually self-reliant disciple. He arranges for Qin Yan's senior brothers and sisters to return so that the school can see him off together. 439

The farewell takes place at a banquet hosted by Xiao Huo. Alongside the disciples' well-wishes, Xiao Huo gives Qin Yan a Token connected to his absent eldest disciple, expressing his hope that they may encounter each other beyond Blue Star. 466

He explains that the Token can sense its paired counterpart within a certain range and will glow if Yun Miaomiao is nearby. Having received no news of her for a long time, he hopes that his youngest disciple may find her during his travels and that the two can look after one another. 466

Xiao Huo also gives Qin Yan five bottles of Sixth-Grade Five Elements Spirit Pills. These gifts accompany the other disciples' parting presents before Qin Yan leaves with Xiao Shan for the Yellow Spring Star River. 467

Reunion with Yun Miaomiao

Xiao Huo's farewell gift later becomes crucial when Qin Yan finds and rescues Yun Miaomiao in Emperor Fall Valley. Qin Yan initially conceals their connection because powerful factions may be watching, then brings her to safety and shows her the jade Token bearing “Yun.” He identifies himself as Xiao Huo's disciple from Magic Capital Martial University, allowing her to recognize him as the junior disciple she had never met. 1008 1009

Their shared teacher becomes the foundation of renewed trust and a reunion of their separated martial family. Qin Yan subsequently supports Yun Miaomiao's planned entry into Emperor Fall Land with nearly a hundred Seventh-Grade Spirit Runes and arrangements for her to travel with Mystic Sanctuary's team. Xiao Huo is not present for the reunion, but the Token he entrusted to Qin Yan provides the proof that brings his disciples together. 1009 1010

Trivia

• Despite his normally straightforward disposition, Xiao Huo is described as meticulous and patient when teaching. 38
• He considers a harmonious school—where senior disciples protect juniors and juniors respect seniors—to be an ideal outcome of mentorship. 188
• Qin Yan successfully appealed to Xiao Huo’s pride by recounting his famous alchemical accomplishments when first seeking to become his disciple. 36
• While enjoying Qin Yan's praise, Xiao Huo subconsciously strokes a beard that he does not have. 36
• Qin Yan's announcement that he was ready to become a Martial Artist nearly makes Xiao Huo spray out his Mind-Clearing Tea; Xiao Huo immediately checks his disciple's physical condition. 45
• His private Pill Chamber has simple, antiquated furnishings that contrast with the university's futuristic campus. 38
• Despite his later mastery, he openly admits that furnace explosions were frequent during his own Second- and Third-Stage alchemy training. 85