Xiao Yan

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Xiao Yan (肖焱)
Alias(es)	Little Yanzi; Little Yan 1 4
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Xiao Clan; disciple of Yao Chen 1 3
Occupation/Role	Dou Qi cultivator; alchemy student
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Spirit Disciple	10 32	Cultivates under Yao Chen after his former Dou Qi regression is exposed as the result of Yao Chen sustaining his soul through the black ring.
Peak Two-Star Spirit Practitioner	47	Reached after successfully devouring a Rank 6 Beast Fire through the Burning Decision; the technique evolved to Yellow-tier intermediate grade.

Background

For three years, Xiao Yan's Dou Qi steadily disappeared and his cultivation regressed, leaving him burdened by humiliation and uncertainty. During Nalan Yanran's visit to dissolve their engagement, Lin Hai publicly intervened on Xiao Yan's behalf, declaring that the decision over the engagement belonged to Xiao Yan alone. 1 2

Lin Hai later revealed that the black ring Xiao Yan wore housed Yao Chen, whose soul had been absorbing Xiao Yan's Dou Qi to survive. Though enraged by the revelation, Xiao Yan listened to the explanation that Yao Chen had chosen him as a potential successor. After learning that Yao Chen was a peak Dou Zun and Grade 8 alchemist, Xiao Yan formally became his disciple. 3

Lin Hai arranged for Yao Chen's recovery and instructed him to teach Xiao Yan the Burning Decision, a technique that advances by devouring Heavenly Flames. With Yao Chen's guidance and Lin Hai's resources, Xiao Yan resumed focused cultivation. 4 5

Appearance

Xiao Yan is initially described as a delicate, refined youth with a handsome face. By the time Lin Hai returns from the battle with the Soul Clan, he is seen wearing black combat gear. 1 3 46

• Often carries Yao Chen's black ring on his finger. 3
• His eyes flash crimson after refining a Rank 6 Beast Fire. 47

Personality

Xiao Yan is deeply affected by the scorn attached to his cultivation regression and Nalan Yanran's attempted annulment, but he does not remain defeated by it. Once given an explanation and a path forward, he turns his anger into resolve, immediately accepting Yao Chen as his teacher. 1 3

He is diligent and responsive to guidance. Lin Hai finds him cultivating soon after the upheaval in the Xiao Clan, and Yao Chen later describes him as working hard day and night. 5 37 He accepts the severe terms of the three-year pact with Xun Er's family and vows to meet them. 33

Abilities & Skills

Dou Qi Cultivation

Xiao Yan cultivates under Yao Chen's direct instruction and progresses through resources supplied by Lin Hai.

• Reached the peak of the Two-Star Spirit Practitioner realm after refining a Rank 6 Beast Fire. 47
• Was instructed to devour seven hundred Rank 6 Beast Fires within half a year to seek a breakthrough into the Spirit Master realm. 47
• Is expected to temper his Dou Qi and soul through pill refinement and cultivation between Beast Fire absorption sessions. 47

Burning Decision

The Burning Decision is the cultivation technique selected for Xiao Yan by Lin Hai and taught through Yao Chen.

• Its advancement requires devouring Heavenly Flames, making its progress demanding but its potential exceptionally high. 4
• Xiao Yan successfully used it to devour a Rank 6 Beast Fire. 47
• The technique advanced to Yellow-tier intermediate grade after that refinement. 47
• Lin Hai intends for Xiao Yan to eventually devour three Heavenly Flames. 47

Alchemy Training

Yao Chen instructs Xiao Yan in medicinal-herb identification and intends to teach him alchemy alongside cultivation. 14 33

• One condition of the three-year pact is for Xiao Yan to become a fourth-grade alchemist, alternatively reaching the Spirit King realm. 33
• His access to Yao Chen's guidance and abundant medicinal materials is treated as central to his chance of fulfilling that condition. 33

Equipment / Items

• Black ring — Houses Yao Chen's soul and serves as the means through which Yao Chen originally absorbed Xiao Yan's Dou Qi. 3
• Rank 6 Beast Fire — Successfully refined through the Burning Decision, increasing Xiao Yan's cultivation and evolving the technique. 47

Relationships

• Lin Hai — His uncle and protector. Lin Hai defends Xiao Yan's dignity before the Yunlan Sect, secures Yao Chen as his mentor, and supplies the resources for his cultivation. 1 3 4
• Yao Chen — His master. Though Yao Chen's need for soul nourishment caused Xiao Yan's regression, he accepts responsibility and vows to guide Xiao Yan beyond his former potential. 3
• Xun Er — Xiao Yan's childhood companion and intended marriage partner. Their marriage is subject to a three-year pact requiring Xiao Yan to become a Spirit King or fourth-grade alchemist. 32 33
• Nalan Yanran — His fiancée whose attempt to annul their engagement triggers Lin Hai's intervention; Lin Hai states that Xiao Yan himself must decide whether and when the engagement ends. 1
• Xiao Yixian — Fellow student under Yao Chen. Xiao Yan supports and congratulates her after she refines the Nether Poison Dragon Fire. 14 21

Story Role / Major Arcs

Yunlan Sect Engagement Dispute

Xiao Yan is present when Nalan Yanran and Ge Ye arrive at the Xiao Clan to address the engagement. Lin Hai intervenes, humiliates Ge Ye, and protects Xiao Yan from being dismissed by the Yunlan Sect. 1 2

Becoming Yao Chen's Disciple

Lin Hai exposes Yao Chen's presence in Xiao Yan's ring and explains the cause of Xiao Yan's lost Dou Qi. Xiao Yan moves past his initial fury and formally becomes Yao Chen's disciple. 3

Three-Year Pact

Gu Yuan agrees to a three-year condition for Xiao Yan's marriage to Xun Er: Xiao Yan must become a Spirit King or a fourth-grade alchemist. Xiao Yan accepts the challenge and commits himself to fulfilling it. 33

Cultivation During Lin Hai's Recovery

After Lin Hai is injured fighting the Soul Clan and enters seclusion, Xiao Yan promises to protect the Xiao Clan from disturbances. By Lin Hai's return a year and a half later, Xiao Yan has successfully refined a Rank 6 Beast Fire and reached the peak of Two-Star Spirit Practitioner. 46 47

Notable Quotes

“Disciple Xiao Yan, pays respects to Teacher!” 3

“Xiao Yan will certainly not fail your expectations, Uncle!” 47