Xiao Yan

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Xiao Yan (萧炎)
Alias(es)	Yan Xiao 249 250
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Xiao Clan; Starfall Pavilion; disciple of Yao Chen 416 440
Occupation/Role	Alchemist; cultivator; participant in the Pill Gathering 249 369
Status	Active 457
First Appearance	Chapter 249

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Dou Grandmaster	254	Reaches this realm by the Three-Year Agreement after cultivating from the third stage of Dou Disciple over three years.
Dou Ancestor	371	Qing Lin senses his cultivation after he arrives in the Central Plains.
Peak Six-Star Dou Venerate	416	Reaches this level before entering the third layer of the Heavenly Tomb.
Mid-stage Half-Saint	449	Arrives at the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame competition at this level.

Background / History

Xiao Yan possesses a ring inherited from his mother, which houses the soul of Yao Chen, known as Yao Lao. Yao Lao becomes his teacher and remains central to Xiao Yan's cultivation, alchemy, and later conflicts with the Soul Hall. 19 250 251

He returns to the Jia Ma Empire in time to fulfill the Three-Year Agreement with Nalan Yanran. By then, he has transformed from the “trash” described by local rumors into a composed Dou Grandmaster carrying a massive black ruler. 254

Personality

Xiao Yan is cautious when facing unknown powerful figures. When Liu Bai identifies Yao Lao's presence, Xiao Yan instinctively becomes vigilant before agreeing to a meeting on his teacher's advice. 250

He is determined and resilient in both combat and alchemy. He refines a fourth-grade Three-Pattern Spirit Pill despite being weakened, wins the Alchemist Tournament, and later continues pursuing strength and allies despite the Soul Hall's threat. 249 369

His loyalty to Yao Chen is unwavering. After learning that the Soul Hall has captured his teacher, he seeks assistance rather than attempting a suicidal rescue with insufficient strength. 382 383

Abilities & Skills

Alchemy

Xiao Yan is a highly capable alchemist and Yao Lao's direct disciple. 249 369

• Refined a fourth-grade Three-Pattern Spirit Pill during the Alchemist Tournament. 249
• The pill can raise a Dou Grandmaster's cultivation by three stars and surpasses the other competitors' entries. 249
• Won the tournament, earning recognition from Fa Ma, Yao Yue, and Liu Ling. 249
• Enters the Pill Gathering to temper his skills, gain renown, and seek allies against the Soul Hall. 369

Exotic Flames and Fire Lotus

Xiao Yan wields multiple Exotic Flames and uses them in high-level combat techniques. 152 255

• Possesses two Exotic Flames by the time of the Three-Year Agreement. 152
• Fuses two flames into a Fire Lotus to counter Nalan Yanran's final technique, Wind Extremity: Setting Sun. 255
• Uses a second Destruction Fire Lotus against Gu Yao, destroying Gu Yao's Great Finger of Annihilation. 406
• His flame-based combat allows him to challenge opponents above his cultivation level, though such gaps become harder to overcome at higher realms. 408

Soul Power

Xiao Yan's soul cultivation is a major part of his strength. 451

• Reaches the Grand Perfection of the Heavenly Realm in soul power by the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame conflict. 451
• His soul power is strong enough to humiliate Yao Wangui, whose own soul cultivation had been a source of pride. 451

Xiao Clan Dou Emperor Bloodline

Within the Heavenly Tomb, Xiao Yan receives the Xiao Clan's preserved Dou Emperor bloodline from his ancestor, Xiao Xuan. 418

• Undergoes bloodline replacement in the Blood Pool. 418
• Removes a cultivation bottleneck and begins refining the inherited bloodline. 418

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Black ruler — A massive weapon carried on his back during the Three-Year Agreement. 254
• Mother's ring — A family relic that houses Yao Lao's soul. 19
• Tou She Ancient God Jade — An item in Xiao Yan's possession that draws the Soul Clan's attention. 371

Relationships

• Yao Chen / Yao Lao — Teacher and master; Xiao Yan is his direct disciple and is committed to rescuing him from the Soul Hall. 250 369 383
• Liu Bai — Acquaintance and eventual benefactor; Liu Bai protects Xiao Yan at the Three-Year Agreement, helps rescue him from the Soul Hall, and assists his breakthrough to Half-Saint. 253 388
• Xun Er — Beloved companion; she protects him within the Ancient Clan, and they resolve to face its challenges together. 401 449
• Nalan Yanran — Former fiancée and opponent in the Three-Year Agreement; Xiao Yan defeats her, releases her from their agreement, and burns the divorce letter. 254 256
• Xiao Xuan — Ancestor of the Xiao Clan; passes the clan's Dou Emperor bloodline to Xiao Yan in the Heavenly Tomb. 416 418
• Mang Tianchi — Dean of Jia Nan Academy who publicly supports Xiao Yan at the Ancient Clan's Coming-of-Age Ceremony. 402
• Gu Yao — Ancient Clan commander who threatens Xiao Yan over Xun Er; Xiao Yan defeats him in battle. 402 406

Story Role / Major Arcs

Alchemist Tournament

Xiao Yan refines the Three-Pattern Spirit Pill and is named champion by Fa Ma. Following the tournament, Liu Bai approaches him after recognizing the presence of Yao Lao. 249 250

Three-Year Agreement

Xiao Yan travels to the Misty Cloud Sect to settle his conflict with Nalan Yanran. He defeats her with a Fire Lotus, but Liu Bai intervenes to prevent her death; Xiao Yan then ends the agreement himself and leaves the sect. 254 255 256

Soul Hall Conflict and Yao Lao's Rescue

When Yao Lao is captured, Xiao Yan enters the Pill Gathering while seeking allies and a way to rescue him. He requests Liu Bai's assistance, accepts the latter's condition, and is ultimately rescued and aided in reaching the Half-Saint realm. 369 383 388

Ancient Clan and Heavenly Tomb

Xiao Yan reunites with Xun Er in the Ancient Realm, withstands intimidation from Ancient Clan elders, and defeats Gu Yao. He later receives access to the Heavenly Tomb, where he meets Xiao Xuan and inherits the Xiao Clan's Dou Emperor bloodline. 401 406 416 418

Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame

At the gathering for the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame, Xiao Yan reunites with Xun Er and chooses not to compete with Liu Bai for the flame. He instead returns to Starfall Pavilion with Yao Lao to continue growing steadily. 449 457