Xiao Yan

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Xiao Yan (萧炎)
Alias(es)	Original protagonist
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Xiao Family; disciple of Yao Lao; Young Pavilion Master of Starfall Pavilion 10 223
Occupation/Role	Dou Qi cultivator; alchemy disciple
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Dou Qi Stage Three	1	His Dou Qi Vortex had vanished three years earlier, leaving his cultivation regressed and stalled at Stage Three.
Dou Qi Stage Eight	110	Recovered five stages after a year of bitter training under Yao Lao.
One-Star Dou Wang	209	Reached the Dou Wang realm after months of secluded cultivation in the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower; the Life Devouring Pill accelerated the breakthrough.
Three-Star Dou Wang	223	Advanced two further stars in just over two months after becoming Starfall Pavilion's Young Pavilion Master and receiving greater cultivation resources.

Background

Xiao Yan is Xiao Feng's younger twin, born half an hour after him. Once regarded as the more talented of the Xiao Family's “twin prodigies,” he lost his Dou Qi Vortex and steadily regressed for three years until he remained at Dou Qi Stage Three. Though the clan pitied him, Xiao Feng's continued support prevented open ridicule and helped Xiao Yan persist in cultivating. 1 2

Initially, Xiao Yan suspected that Xiao Feng supported him only to improve his own reputation. Xiao Feng's unwavering encouragement eventually left him remorseful over his past disrespect toward his brother. 2

While fearing that his regression might be caused by a dangerous Special Physique, Xiao Yan encountered Yao Lao, the soul residing in the ring left by his mother. Yao Lao revealed that he had absorbed Xiao Yan's Dou Qi for three years, but confirmed that Xiao Yan's talent remained intact and that the regression had also strengthened his foundation. Yao Lao accepted him as a disciple after recognizing his unusually strong soul power and Fire-affinity Dou Qi with a trace of Wood affinity. 10

Xiao Yan borrowed funds from Xiao Feng to begin acquiring medicinal ingredients. With Yao Lao's help, he obtained Foundation Establishment Liquid for cultivation and sold surplus portions at the Mittel Auction House; he gave the Nourishing Spirit Pills produced alongside it to Xiao Feng. 11 12

After returning to prominence at the Xiao Family Coming-of-Age Ceremony, Xiao Yan displayed Dou Qi Stage Eight and publicly demonstrated his recovered potential. 109 110

Xiao Feng later provided him with the Sea Heart Flame, the Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron, and the Playing Flame Tactic to support his growth as an alchemist. 168

At Jia Nan Academy, Xiao Yan cultivated in seclusion within the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower until reaching One-Star Dou Wang. Yao Lao then prepared to take him to the Central Plains for greater opportunities, and Xiao Yan eventually became Starfall Pavilion's Young Pavilion Master. 209 223

Appearance

Xiao Yan is a black-haired youth who resembles Xiao Feng closely enough that they are said to be ninety percent alike. Those familiar with the twins distinguish them by demeanor: Xiao Yan appears lazy and carefree, unlike Xiao Feng's domineering bearing. 1 223

• Usually appears in black clothing. 1
• His hair turned white after his prolonged seclusion in the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower. 209
• Uses a large Mystic Heavy Ruler in battle. 223

Personality

Xiao Yan is resilient and hardworking despite the humiliation of losing his cultivation. Even during his three-year regression, he continued setting aside four to six hours daily to cultivate; after Yao Lao's appearance, he devoted himself to rebuilding his strength. 10 109

He is emotionally open with Xiao Feng, mixing sincere gratitude with casual banter. He accepts help without excessive formality, promises to repay what he borrows, and provides resources or techniques when he can. 11 15

Although he can remain outwardly composed, Xiao Yan enjoys displaying the results of his hard work. At the Coming-of-Age Ceremony, he deliberately intended to use his recovery to announce his return. 109 110

Abilities & Skills

Dou Qi Cultivation

Xiao Yan recovered from a long-term regression to become a Dou Wang-level cultivator while still sixteen. 110 209

• Formed Dou Qi wings and gained sustained flight upon reaching One-Star Dou Wang. 209
• His cultivation foundation was solidified during the three years Yao Lao absorbed his Dou Qi. 10
• His rapid later growth is supported by Starfall Pavilion's resources and Yao Lao's guidance. 223

Alchemy Aptitude

Yao Lao judged Xiao Yan qualified to become an alchemist due to his exceptional soul power and compatible elemental attributes. 10

• Possesses Fire-attribute Dou Qi with a trace of Wood attribute, meeting the basic elemental requirement for alchemy. 10
• Studies under Yao Lao, the legendary Venerable Yao. 10 112
• Received the Sea Heart Flame, Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron, and Playing Flame Tactic to advance his alchemical path. 168

Combat Techniques

• Ghost Possession — A Heaven Rank Fighting Skill noted as capable of letting Xiao Yan confront a Dou Zong-level opponent while he is only a Da Dou Shi. 98
• Xun Dragon Nine Transformations — A dangerous Wind-attribute technique originally provided by Yao Lao; Xiao Yan passed it to Xiao Feng because it was better suited to his brother's recovery ability. 15

Equipment / Items

• Bone Flame Ring — Ring left by Xiao Yan's mother; Yao Lao's soul resides within it. 10
• Mystic Heavy Ruler — Heavy weapon used during his spar with Xiao Feng. 223
• Sea Heart Flame — Heavenly Flame gifted by Xiao Feng. 168
• Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron — Alchemical cauldron gifted by Xiao Feng. 168
• Playing Flame Tactic — Alchemy-related technique gifted by Xiao Feng. 168

Relationships

• Xiao Feng — Older twin brother by half an hour. Xiao Feng supported Xiao Yan through his regression, financed his early alchemy training, and regularly shared valuable resources with him; Xiao Yan in turn gave him the Xun Dragon Nine Transformations technique. 1 2 11 15 168
• Yao Lao / Venerable Yao — Master and mentor. Yao Lao revealed the cause of Xiao Yan's regression, accepted him as a disciple, and guided his cultivation and alchemy. 10 112 209
• Xiao Xun'er — Xiao Family companion who first proposed that Xiao Yan's regression might be tied to a Special Physique. 9 10
• Xiao Mei — Fellow Xiao Family member who accompanied Xiao Yan at the academy recruitment square and discussed the Coming-of-Age Ceremony with him. 109 156
• Xiao Yu — Xiao Family relative with whom Xiao Yan has a previously strained relationship. 109
• Mu Qingluan — Junior sister through Starfall Pavilion; she addresses Xiao Yan's brother as “Third Brother” because of their connection. 223