Xiao Yan

Biodata

Power Progression

History

Xiao Yan was an early cultivation prodigy within the Xiao Clan. He condensed Dou Qi at four and initially carried himself with visible confidence and arrogance. Xiao Yuan's matching breakthrough unsettled him, and he reacted with a competitive determination not to fall behind anyone. 1 2 3

After ten years of rapid advancement, Xiao Yan's cultivation abruptly regressed to the third stage of Dou Qi. The reversal reduced the former genius to a target of ridicule within the clan and left him bitter, defensive, and confused about the cause of his decline. 6 7

Xiao Yuan and Xiao Xun'er approached him after the clan's cultivation test rather than joining in the mockery. Xiao Yuan's continued faith in him restored some of Xiao Yan's resolve, prompting him to recommit himself to becoming a Great Dou Master. 7 8

During Nalan Yanran's visit to dissolve her engagement with him, Xiao Yan opposed the Misty Cloud Sect's terms and defended the Xiao Clan's dignity. Nalan Yanran then proposed transferring the engagement to Xiao Yuan, a decision Xiao Zhan accepted to preserve the clan's reputation. Xiao Yan was left feeling helpless by the arrangement. 10 11 12

Later, Xiao Yan asked Xiao Yuan for a loan without disclosing its purpose. Xiao Yuan gave him 3,000 gold coins without demanding an explanation, earning Xiao Yan's lasting gratitude. Under Yao Chen's guidance, Xiao Yan also arranged for Xiao Yuan to receive an Earth-tier, fire-attribute cultivation technique. 13 14 15 20

Personality

Xiao Yan began as proud and intensely competitive, taking satisfaction in being the first member of his generation to condense Dou Qi. Xiao Yuan's emergence as an equal talent made him feel challenged, but it also drove him to train harder rather than surrender his position. 1 2 3

His regression made him guarded and self-deprecating. When Xiao Yuan and Xun'er came to speak with him, he initially assumed they had arrived to mock him. Nevertheless, he responds deeply to sincere support and resolves to prove himself again. 7 8

He values loyalty and repays kindness. Xiao Yuan's unconditional loan moves him enough to swear that he will never forget the favor if he succeeds in the future. 13 14

Abilities & Skills

Dou Qi Cultivation

Xiao Yan demonstrated exceptional natural talent from childhood, reaching Five-Star Dou Zhe by age eleven before suffering an unexplained decline. 6

• Condensed Dou Qi at age four. 1
• Became one of the Xiao Clan's youngest recorded Dou Zhe. 6
• Retained his determination to cultivate despite regressing to third-stage Dou Qi. 6 8

Fire-Attribute Cultivation

Yao Chen identifies Xiao Yan as the recipient of a cultivation technique that evolves through Heavenly Flames and later provides an Earth-tier fire-attribute technique for Xiao Yuan through him. 15

• Learns under Yao Chen, whom he is instructed to address as “Teacher.” 15
• Acts as the intermediary for Yao Chen's gift of an Earth-tier low-grade fire-attribute technique to Xiao Yuan. 15 20

Relationships

• Xiao Yuan — Cousin, former childhood rival, and steadfast supporter. Xiao Yuan consoles him during his regression, lends him money without questions, and receives Xiao Yan's promise of lifelong gratitude. 1 7 8 13 14
• Xiao Zhan — Father and Xiao Clan patriarch. Xiao Zhan's acceptance of Nalan Yanran's fiancé transfer leaves Xiao Yan feeling abandoned in the engagement dispute. 10 12
• Xiao Li — Older brother. He teases Xiao Yan and Xiao Yuan but is described as caring for Xiao Yuan as well. 1
• Xiao Ding — Older brother. Calm and concerned by disposition. 1
• Xiao Xun'er — Fellow Xiao Clan prodigy and Xiao Yuan's close companion. She initially joins Xiao Yuan in comforting Xiao Yan, but later becomes wary of him after misunderstanding Xiao Yuan's thoughts. 7 8
• Yao Chen — Mentor. He recognizes Xiao Yan's concern for Xiao Yuan and chooses to grant Xiao Yuan a fire-attribute technique through him. 15
• Nalan Yanran — Former fiancée. Her attempted annulment of their engagement escalates into a proposal to replace Xiao Yan with Xiao Yuan as her fiancé. 9 10 11 12

Notable Quotes

“Elder Ge Ye, you should take the medicinal pill back. As for today's matter, we may not agree to it!” 10

“Cousin Xiao Yuan, I will keep this kindness of yours etched in my heart! I, Xiao Yan, swear that if I ever achieve anything in the future, I will never forget you, Cousin Xiao Yuan!” 14