Xiao Yan

Biodata

Background

Xiao Yan is a member of the Xiao Clan of Wutan City in the Gama Empire. After several years of decline and the annulment of his engagement by Nalan Yanran, he regains prominence within the clan and reaches the Dou Zhe realm. By this point, Yao Lao has awakened within his ring and begun guiding him in the Burning Mantra. 1

Xiao Tianci, who had not joined the clan in mocking Xiao Yan during his low period, was initially only a nodding acquaintance of his. Xiao Yan becomes increasingly aware that Tianci is concealing extraordinary strength, beginning with the empire-shaking soul-power eruption that Yao Lao suspects originated from him. 1 4 8

Personality

Xiao Yan is determined to close the gap between himself and the continent’s stronger experts. After witnessing Xiao Tianci defeat the Amethyst Winged Lion King, he asks Yao Lao to intensify his training. 46

He is also cautious and patient when confronting threats beyond his level. He observes powerful conflicts from concealment, prioritizing survival when Soul Hall members appear and remaining hidden near the Snake-People Tribe’s city while pursuing information on Heavenly Flames. 47 207 209

Abilities & Skills

Burning Mantra

Xiao Yan cultivates the Burning Mantra under Yao Lao’s guidance. Its special nature allows him to pursue Heavenly Flames without the fatal internal conflict that would normally result from possessing multiple flames. 1 145

• Drives his interest in obtaining the Heavenly Flame in the Tagor Desert. 145 207
• Makes him a potential exception to the usual limitation of one Heavenly Flame per person. 145

Alchemy

Xiao Yan is an alchemist and treats Heavenly Flames as a vital resource for his path. 207

• Considers whether the Amethyst Winged Lion King’s purple beast flame could aid his alchemy. 46
• Travels to the Tagor Desert after receiving information about a Heavenly Flame. 145

Eagle Wings

Xiao Yan possesses an Eagle Wings flight Dou Technique, allowing him to fly into the Amethyst Winged Lion King’s cave. 50

• Its appearance and aura are greatly inferior to Xiao Tianci’s Demon God Wings. 50
• Used for mobility rather than direct combat in the documented events. 50

Equipment / Items

• Ring containing Yao Lao — Yao Lao resides within Xiao Yan’s ring and acts as his teacher and adviser. 1 30
• Massive black ruler — Carried on Xiao Yan’s back during his journey through the Tagor Desert. 145
• Eagle Wings — Flight Dou Technique used to enter the Amethyst Winged Lion King’s cave. 50

Relationships

• Yao Lao — Teacher and spiritual mentor. Yao Lao guides Xiao Yan’s cultivation of the Burning Mantra, warns him about the Soul Hall, and supports his alchemy and training. 1 30 46
• Xiao Tianci — Fellow Xiao Clan member and former acquaintance. Xiao Yan never mocked Tianci during his difficult years, later suspects Tianci’s hidden strength, and views his power as an aspiration. 1 11 46
• Xun'er — Fellow Xiao Clan member and companion during the Jia Nan Academy assessment. 8 57 60
• Instructor Ruolin — Jia Nan Academy instructor who accepts his request for a one-year leave after he threatens to withdraw from the academy. 64
• Yun Yun — A powerful figure whose battle with the Amethyst Winged Lion King Xiao Yan witnesses from hiding. 41
• Queen Medusa — Her Heavenly Flame is one of the reasons Xiao Yan enters Snake-People Tribe territory in secret. 207 218

Story Role / Major Arcs

Xiao Clan and Wutan City

• Returns to the Dou Zhe realm after years of decline and begins cultivating the Burning Mantra under Yao Lao. 1
• Learns of the Soul Hall threat from Yao Lao and commits himself to intensified training. 30
• Notices repeated signs of Xiao Tianci’s concealed power, including overwhelming soul energy and sword intent. 4 8 10 30

Magical Beast Mountain Range

• Witnesses Yun Yun’s battle with the Amethyst Winged Lion King from concealment. 41
• Watches Xiao Tianci intervene with the Demon God Wings and Great River Sword Intent, recognizing the immense difference between their strengths. 41 42
• Sees Xiao Tianci kill the Lion King and resolves to become strong enough to achieve similar feats. 46
• Enters the Lion King’s cave after Xiao Tianci and Yun Yun depart, hoping to find remaining treasures. 46 50

Jia Nan Academy Assessment

• Attends the Jia Nan Academy recruitment alongside Xiao Yu, Xun'er, and other Xiao Clan youths. 57
• Estimates his potential as A-grade, drawing Instructor Ruolin’s interest. 60
• Requests a one-year leave from the academy to pursue an urgent personal matter. 64

Tagor Desert and the Snake-People Tribe

• Travels through the Tagor Desert with Yao Lao in search of a Heavenly Flame. 145
• Secretly observes Gu He’s delegation outside the Black Snake Tribe’s city, unaware that Xiao Tianci has already detected him. 207
• Continues waiting in concealment while competing interests gather around Queen Medusa and the Heavenly Flame. 209 213