Xiao Yan

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Xiao Yan (萧炎)
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Origin Return Manor; Xiao Clan; formerly associated with Jia Nan Academy and Starfall Pavilion 216 758 997 1132
Role	Decision-maker and combatant of Origin Return Manor; acknowledged master of the Heavenly Luan Clan 318 1132
Current Cultivation	Eight-star Dou Sheng 1173 1202
Cultivation Method	Flame Mantra, a Heaven-tier cultivation method evolved through the absorption of Heavenly Flames 720 1165
Alchemy	Tier-nine alchemist capable of refining a Precious Medicinal Pill approaching Mystic Pill quality; possesses a late Heavenly State Soul and seeks advancement to the Imperial State 1084 1228 1229
Origin	Born and raised in the Jia Ma Empire; member of the Xiao family of Wutan City and descendant of the ancient Xiao Clan 170 778 878
Family	Son of Xiao Zhan; younger brother of Xiao Ding and the deceased Xiao Li; husband of Xiao Yi Xian and father of Xiao Qingqing 437 696 758 763 800 1084

Power Progression

Chapter	Cultivation / Advancement	Notes
1	Dou Wang	Arrived at Cloud Mist Mountain to fulfill the three-year appointment. 1
3	Dou Huang	At eighteen, Xiao Yan's cultivation had reached the Dou Huang realm. 3
56	Seven-star Dou Emperor	Reached this realm after fusing the Nihility Devouring Flame's arm and absorbing energy within the Ten Thousand Beasts Space. 56
129	Eight-star Dou Emperor	Advanced through repeated battles while returning to the Jia Ma Empire. 129
105	Temporarily displayed high-star Dou Zong strength	Displayed this strength while destroying Mystic Pattern Sect puppets; during the preceding confrontation, he managed Yao Lao's soul power to attain seven- or eight-star Dou Zong combat strength. 103 105
240	Peak nine-star Dou Zong	Reached this level during the battle against Fei Tian. 240
326	Temporary Dou Zun	Used the Three Mysterious Changes of Heavenly Fire twice to temporarily reach the Dou Zun level. 326
337	Dou Zun	Began breaking through to the Dou Zun realm after the Starfall Pavilion battle. 337
441	Dou Zun; Spiritual State Soul	Simultaneously broke through to the Dou Zun realm and Spiritual State Soul, with his Phoenix Flame overpowering three other powerful flames. 441
563	Mid-stage Spiritual State Soul	Advanced through Heavenly Lightning Soul Forging using eighth-grade pill lightning. 563
859	Peak Half-Saint	Used the Xiao Clan secret art for three consecutive increases in strength during his battle with Tang Qiying. 859
885	Peak Half-Saint	Reached the peak of the Half-Saint realm after absorbing the Xiao Clan bloodline. 885
891	Middle-stage one-star Dou Sheng	Completed his breakthrough after merging five Heavenly Flames. 891
1081	Late three-star Dou Sheng	Reached this realm after prolonged cultivation in the Heavenly Tomb, absorbing the Bodhisattva Heart's remaining energy and consuming a ninth-tier pill refined by Yao Lao. 1081
1084	Late Heavenly State Soul	Created a new Heaven-tier soul Dou Skill and gained the ability to attempt tier-nine alchemy. 1084
1173	Eight-star Dou Sheng	Returned to the Northwest Region as an eight-star Dou Sheng and easily eliminated the magical beasts threatening the region. 1173
129	Sixth-tier alchemist	Crossed the sixth-tier threshold through his increasingly condensed soul power, Yao Lao's guidance, and the Crimson Lotus Karma Flame's fusion with his body. 129
156	Temporary Dou Zong	First demonstrated Red Lotus Change, crossing a major realm through the Three Mysterious Changes of Heavenly Fire. 156
210	Dou Zong; Red Lotus Core Flame	Advanced to Dou Zong and named the fusion of three Heavenly Flames the Red Lotus Core Flame. 210
216	Eight-star Dou Zong	Confirmed this cultivation after entering the Central Plains; estimated that his alchemy had likely reached the seventh tier. 216
407	Body and soul strengthened through lightning	Endured Lei Jingxiao's Heaven-tier technique and used Heavenly Lightning Soul Forging to greatly strengthen his body and bring his soul close to the Spiritual State. 407
453	Eighth-tier alchemist	Xuan Yi identified him as an eighth-tier alchemist while discussing his future development. 453
687	Eight-star Dou Zun strength restored	Guided Dou Sheng power into his arm, relieving pressure on his Dou Qi and raising his displayed strength from three-star to eight-star Dou Zun; this was not a new breakthrough. 687
739	Temporary early Half-Saint	The superimposed power of four Heavenly Flames allowed him to cross the Half-Saint threshold during the Ancient Clan conflict. 739
778	Peak Dou Zun	Fire Cloud Ancestor recognized his peak Dou Zun strength as the result of his own efforts rather than inherited Dou Di blessings. 778
837	Middle Half-Saint	Advanced from early to middle Half-Saint after cultivating with numerous Heavenly Tomb energy cores, including one hundred supplied by Ling Fengzhui. 837
884	Fusion of five Dou Di bloodlines	Absorbed bloodline power from the Xiao, Spirit, Ancient, Flame, and Thunder Clans with Xiao Xuan's assistance. 884
891	Complete Xiao Clan mark; temporary late one-star Dou Sheng	Independently condensed the complete nine-pattern Xiao Clan mark during his breakthrough; activating it raised his strength from middle to late one-star Dou Sheng. 891
893, 896	Temporary peak one-star Dou Sheng	Acquired access to an additional clan mark; combining the Xiao and Ancient Clan marks raised his middle-stage one-star Dou Sheng strength to the peak. 893 896
904	Control of the Heavenly Tomb	Connected to the Heavenly Tomb through a mark on his brow and gained control over its space with Xiao Xuan's help. 904
1115	Late Heavenly State Soul stabilized	Refined Black Demon Lightning during the Medicine Ceremony to consolidate his soul realm. 1115
1176	Further strength and soul improvement	His absorption of the Nihility Devouring Flame significantly increased both cultivation strength and soul power; he remained an eight-star Dou Sheng. 1176
1229	Successful tier-nine Precious Medicinal Pill refinement; further soul tempering	Produced a pill approaching Mystic Pill quality and tempered his soul by enduring and absorbing Black Demon Lightning. He had not yet advanced to the Imperial State Soul. 1228 1229

Background / History

Xiao Yan was born and raised in the Jia Ma Empire. The breaking of his engagement to Nalan Yanran humiliated the Xiao Clan, leading him to make a three-year appointment with the Cloud Mist Sect. When he arrived at Cloud Mist Mountain, he challenged Sect Leader Yun Yun rather than treating the dispute as merely a personal contest with Nalan Yanran, holding the powerful supporters of the broken engagement responsible for his family's humiliation. At eighteen, he already possessed Dou Huang cultivation and the Crimson Lotus Karma Flame. 1 3 170

After helping Yao Lao eliminate Han Feng, Xiao Yan received the Sea Heart Flame and returned to Jia Nan Academy, where he reunited with Xun Er. The Xiao Clan subsequently relocated to the Black-Corner Region with his family's support. His time at the academy was brief, as his strength exceeded that of many instructors and his concern for Qing Lin drew him toward the Northwest Region. 6 8 216

His return to the Jia Ma Empire coincided with a poison-based conflict involving the Chuyun Empire. Xiao Yan's achievements earned widespread admiration, but he showed little interest in Jia Xingtian's proposal that he become the empire's ruler. He eventually departed for the Central Plains, where his priorities included resolving Xiao Yi Xian's Woeful Poison Body, resurrecting Yao Lao, and providing his clansmen with a safe home. 130 166 170 186 432

Xiao Yan rescued the Xiao Clan from the Ancient Clan and reunited with his father and elder brother. Xiao Yi Xian was warmly accepted into the family. Nevertheless, Xiao Li's death and the Ancient Clan's treatment of the Xiao family remained sources of deep pain, contributing to Xiao Yan's later confrontation with Ancient Clan representatives over the Xiao Clan's Heavenly Tomb entry slots. 758 800

Fire Cloud Ancestor helped Xiao Yan understand his descent from the ancient Xiao Clan. In the Heavenly Tomb, Xiao Xuan recognized his achievements, taught him about the Xiao Clan mark, and helped him restore the clan's bloodline power. Xiao Yan ultimately became the bearer of the Xiao Clan's last restored bloodline and pledged to devote his life to striving toward Dou Di. 778 877 878 884 891

Xiao Yan learned intelligence suggesting that the Ancient Clan and Soul Clan intended to seize the Gu Yu held by either the Thunder Clan or Yao Clan. He recognized that such an operation could trigger a decisive, all-out war between the continent's major powers, but also considered the possibility that the information was false. 1132

Rather than acting openly, he ordered Origin Return Manor to recall Qing Lin and its dispersed Dou Sheng-level experts, consolidate its forces, and send a carefully measured warning to the Stone, Yao, and Thunder Clan alliance. He specifically avoided exposing Origin Return Manor's source within the Ancient Clan. 1132

During the following months, Xiao Yan returned to the Heavenly Tomb for three months to absorb the Mystic Yellow Flame and refine a new War Puppet from the North Dragon King's body and soul. 1132

After completing the North Dragon King War Puppet, Xiao Yan left the Heavenly Tomb early when Xiao Yi Xian summoned him to see Mu Yaoyin in her final days. He attempted to heal Mu Yaoyin, but her lifespan had been exhausted by the consequences of using the Luan Eye Heaven-Peering Technique, and she ultimately refused further treatment. 1133

Mu Yaoyin's death left Xiao Yan with a final clue concerning Jia Nan Academy and a possible means of confronting the Soul Clan and Ancient Clan. He and Zi Yan consequently prepared to investigate the academy, while Origin Return Manor remained on heightened alert for the coming conflict. 1134

Xiao Yan later lost Xiao Xuan, his ancestor and principal guide within the Heavenly Tomb. Xiao Xuan's final actions were intended to secure time and a future for the Xiao Clan, leaving Xiao Yan to bear the responsibility he had once shouldered. 1144

By the time he confronted the continental breach, Xiao Yan had gathered seven Heavenly Flames and evolved the Flame Mantra to an unprecedented level. With the Nihility Devouring Flame coordinating the other flames, he could fully control all seven without forcing them into a single unstable fusion. 1165 1170

After helping repair the continent's breach, Xiao Yan returned to the Northwest Region when the collapse of the Ten Thousand Beasts Space released destructive magical beasts across the area. As an eight-star Dou Sheng, he swiftly eliminated the invading Dragon Bear and other magical beasts. 1173

When Zi Yan found him and confirmed that Origin Return Manor and Yan Jin were safe, Xiao Yan judged that the moment foretold by Mu Yaoyin had arrived. He returned to Jia Nan Academy with Zi Yan and questioned Su Qian about lizard monsters that produced fire pearls resembling magic cores, recalling an item previously given to him by Mang Tianchi. 1176 1177

By this period, Xiao Yan regarded his family life with Xiao Yi Xian, Xun Er, and Qing Lin as harmonious and did not wish to disturb their established balance. When Wei Jiangyuan questioned his connection to Liang Mengying, he described their relationship as earlier dealings in the Northwest Region rather than encouraging romantic ambiguity. 1212

Xiao Yan later successfully refined a tier-nine Precious Medicinal Pill using his seven Heavenly Flames. After tempering his soul with Black Demon Lightning, he identified advancement to the Imperial State Soul as his main cultivation goal and planned to consult Zhukun before attempting it. News of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame's emergence then prompted him to lead dozens of Origin Return Manor experts to the Demon Flame Space. 1228 1229

During the Continental Allied Army's conflict with the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan and the Extraterritorial Evil Clan, Xiao Yan coordinated flame attacks with Xun Er and Yao Ming, bought time for Jiang Yunyan's decisive sword technique, and devoured dangerous black mist left behind by defeated enemies. He subsequently reinforced multiple allied engagements rather than concentrating solely on a single opponent. 1245 1263

Abilities & Skills

Heavenly Flame Absorption

Xiao Yan successfully absorbed the Mystic Yellow Flame, ranked twenty-third on the Heavenly Flame Ranking. Its contribution to his overall power was limited because it was the lowest-ranked Heavenly Flame, had already lost substantial energy, and was weaker than the five Origin Heavenly Flames he already possessed. 1132

• He absorbed the flame primarily to enhance the power of his Buddha Fury Fire Lotus. 1132
• The Mystic Yellow Flame was not found or subdued by Xiao Yan himself. 1132

Xiao Yan's Flame Mantra has continued to evolve as he acquired additional Heavenly Flames. After obtaining the Eight Wastelands Destruction Flame, he possessed five major Heavenly Flames: the Green Lotus Core Flame, Sea Heart Flame, Three Thousand Burning Flame, Crimson Lotus Karma Flame, and Eight Wastelands Destruction Flame. 890

Later, Xiao Yan obtained a total of seven Heavenly Flames, including the Nihility Devouring Flame. The Nihility Devouring Flame's fire spirit, Little Scale, can coordinate the other six flames, allowing Xiao Yan to wield all seven at their full power without relying on a forced fusion. 1165 1169 1170

• His Heavenly Flames have developed fire spirits that can assume distinct beast forms and act according to his will. 1169
• He can transform his original Heavenly Flames into intelligent fire glaze beasts through the Fire Glaze Fetal Beast Form. 978
• He can control multiple Heavenly Flames simultaneously in both battle and alchemy. 372 588
• The Eight Wastelands Destruction Flame, ranked sixth, is the most destructive of his five earlier major Heavenly Flames. 863 1031
• He named an earlier three-flame fusion the Red Lotus Core Flame. Its increased power substantially shortened medicinal ingredient refinement. 210 225
• Little Scale can divide Black Demon Lightning, allowing selected portions to strike Xiao Yan for tempering while devouring the remainder through a Nihility Vortex. 1228 1229
• He intends for Origin Return Manor to claim the third-ranked Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame, even if he ultimately decides that absorbing it is unnecessary for his own cultivation. 1229

Flame Mantra

The Flame Mantra is Xiao Yan's core cultivation method and the foundation of his ability to absorb, harmonize, and fuse multiple Heavenly Flames. Its evolution is directly tied to the number and quality of flames he possesses. 94 720

• The Flame Mantra entered the Heaven tier after Xiao Yan's continued acquisition of Heavenly Flames. 720
• It serves as the intermediary that suppresses the normally catastrophic rejection between Heavenly Flames during the creation of the Buddha Fury Fire Lotus. 453
• By obtaining seven Heavenly Flames, Xiao Yan considers the Flame Mantra to have become the strongest cultivation method on the continent. 1165
• Its protection allows him to withstand the exceptionally violent flame power generated inside his body during multi-flame enhancement. 739

Buddha Fury Fire Lotus

The Buddha Fury Fire Lotus is Xiao Yan's signature flame-fusion technique and one of his most dangerous trump cards. He uses the Flame Mantra to temporarily contain the violent rejection between different flames before releasing the resulting explosion. 453

• Xiao Yan can create Fire Lotuses by fusing two or more Heavenly Flames. 72
• He has used four Heavenly Flames to form a Four-Colored Fire Lotus against powerful opponents. 627
• His six-colored Heavenly Flame fusion was powerful enough to shake an array established by a Dou Sheng. 720
• He used a four-flame Buddha Fury Fire Lotus to annihilate remaining Soul Hall Dou Zuns and secure the final fragment of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame map. 720
• His Three Thousand Lightning Phantom Body can carry a three-colored Buddha Fury Fire Lotus, creating a potent self-sacrificial or surprise-attack option. 269
• He created a five-colored Fire Lotus during his battle against Tang Qiying, compelling his opponent to deploy multiple defensive arrays and an Eight Wastelands Destruction Flame dragon formation. 865
• The technique's indiscriminate explosion can make it inconvenient to use when nearby allies or surroundings must be protected. 97
• Dismantling an undetonated Fire Lotus is complicated, although repeated practice has made Xiao Yan highly reliable at both formation and control. 453

Three Mysterious Changes of Heavenly Fire

Xiao Yan obtained the complete Three Mysterious Changes of Heavenly Fire from Liang Mengying of the Splendid Flower Tower. The secret technique is exceptionally compatible with the Flame Mantra and becomes more effective as its user commands more powerful flames. 92 94 361

• It can temporarily raise Xiao Yan's cultivation by stimulating the power of his flames. 194
• He can activate all three changes, temporarily raising his aura to the peak of the one-star Dou Zun realm during his early Dou Zun period. 385
• By activating the technique twice, Xiao Yan temporarily reached the Dou Zun level while still below that realm in actual cultivation. 326
• Xiao Xuan used the technique as part of the process that stabilized Xiao Yan's fusion of several Dou Di bloodlines. 884
• His demonstrated changes include Red Lotus Change, Green Lotus Change, and Sea Heart Change. 156 325
• Before his body became sufficiently durable, further changes risked severe physical damage; the availability of an injury-sharing earthen puppet affected whether he could safely use the third change. 245 345
• Xiao Xuan revealed that fire-affinity Xiao family members can cultivate the Xiao Clan mark through this technique, an innovation distinct from the elder-bestowed marks of other clans. 878

Soul Power and Soul Techniques

Xiao Yan possesses exceptional soul talent, cultivated through the Soul-Turning Secret Technique, alchemy, Heavenly Lightning Soul Forging, and his experiences within the Ancient Bodhi Tree. 129 424 563 979

• He reached the Spiritual State Soul alongside his breakthrough to Dou Zun. 441
• He later advanced to the middle stage of the Spiritual State Soul by tempering both body and soul with eighth-grade pill lightning. 563 564
• He eventually attained the Heavenly State Soul, which grants him refined battlefield perception and allows his soul force to fill the surrounding area like innumerable eyes. 737 932
• By the period before the Thunder Clan successor battle and Yao Clan Medicine Ceremony, his soul had reached the late Heavenly State and he had created a new Heaven-tier soul Dou Skill. 1084
• His Shadow Piercing Needle is a Heavenly State soul skill capable of penetrating an opponent's soul defenses and inflicting direct spiritual damage. 859
• Xiao Yan used mid-Heaven-tier soul power to control a Dou Sheng-level Ancient Void Dragon expert's soul before killing him. 976
• His self-created Heaven-tier soul technique derives from Xiao Xuan's Dou Skill; Xiao Yan estimated that it was at least comparable to the Soul-Sealing Consciousness Ban. 1084
• Refining Black Demon Lightning stabilized his late Heavenly State Soul at the Medicine Ceremony and later provided further soul tempering during his own tier-nine pill refinement. 1115 1229
• His next stated goal is the Imperial State Soul, but he intends to seek Zhukun's advice rather than attempt the breakthrough recklessly. 1229
• Prolonged high-level combat can exhaust his soul even when the Nihility Devouring Flame replenishes his Dou Qi. This limitation became pronounced during the allied battle against the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan. 1245

Heaven-tier Dou Techniques

Xiao Yan has mastered several powerful Heaven-tier techniques, including abilities refined through the experiences of his hundred lifetimes of reincarnation in the Ancient Bodhi Tree. 979

• Crimson Flame Pierces the Sun — A Heaven-tier Dou Skill that combines overwhelming speed, physical force, and the compressed strength of Xiao Yan's Heavenly Flames. 979 1202
• Fire Glaze Fetal Beast Form — A Heaven-tier technique that transforms Xiao Yan's original Heavenly Flames into intelligent fire glaze beasts. 978
• Xiao Yan has also studied Xiao Xuan's self-created waterfall-inspired Heaven-tier Dou Technique, which had evolved from low-grade to high-grade Heaven tier by Xiao Xuan's peak. 1073
• Ninefold Crimson Tide — A low-grade Heaven-tier technique taught by its creator, Fire Cloud Ancestor. It gathers fire-attributed Dou Qi into successive waves of flaming magma; Xiao Yan used it against Tang Qiying and later to reinforce Gu Dao against a seven-star Heaven Demon Phoenix. 782 809 863 1263
• Fire Glaze Fetal Beast Form produces stronger beasts from more powerful flames. Once released, the beasts do not continuously consume Dou Qi, although creating several Heavenly Flame beasts requires a substantial initial expenditure. 944 984
• During the Continental Allied Army battle, he deployed giant beasts formed from six Heavenly Flames across multiple engagements to undermine enemy resolve and strengthen the entire allied front. 1263
• Advancing to Dou Sheng greatly shortened the charging phase of his Heaven-tier techniques through improved command of the energy of heaven and earth. 897

Hurricane Qi

Xiao Yan possesses Hurricane Qi, a mysterious form of wind energy acquired from ancient ruins by a Dou Sheng expert who later joined Origin Return Manor. 1132

• It grants extraordinary movement speed, described as faster than Heaven-tier Dou Techniques. 1132
• Its controlled activation can disrupt spatial ripples during travel, making it difficult for opponents to precisely locate him. 1132
• Xiao Yan has personally used it in battle, including during the pursuit of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan. 1132
• The available supply is limited; subsequent searches of its source ruins found no more. 1132

War Puppet Refinement

Xiao Yan can refine powerful corpses and souls into War Puppets. 1132

• He refined the North Dragon King War Puppet using the North Dragon King's body and soul. 1132
• Although the North Dragon King had reached five-star Dou Sheng in life, this puppet proved weaker than Xiao Yan's West Dragon King War Puppet. 1132
• The West Dragon King War Puppet's superiority comes from its incorporation of a remnant soul fragment belonging to a Spirit Clan Dou Di ancestor. 1132

Alchemy

Xiao Yan's alchemical development is grounded in Yao Lao's instruction, with additional guidance from Xuan Yi. His ability to separate and precisely control several Heavenly Flames permits unusually fast and versatile medicinal refinement. 129 417 418 588 589

• Fire Gathering Method — A complete method designed by Yao Chen for Xiao Yan, allowing him to control separate flames and refine different medicinal ingredients simultaneously within one cauldron. 588 589
• Wind-Driving Palm — Used alongside the Fire Gathering Method and Heavenly Flames to further accelerate medicinal refinement. 589
• During his later tier-nine refinement, he processed individual herbs within approximately a dozen breaths while preserving their medicinal essence. 1228
• He successfully produced a Tier-nine Precious Medicinal Pill whose quality approached that of a Mystic Pill. Rather than risk destroying an excellent result, he declined an uncertain attempt to raise it further. 1229
• He personally confronted the resulting Black Demon Lightning with Little Scale instead of relying on Yan Jin, who ordinarily handled such tribulations for Origin Return Manor's alchemists. 1228

Bloodlines and Clan Marks

With Xiao Xuan's guidance, Xiao Yan absorbed Dou Di bloodline power from the Xiao, Spirit, Ancient, Flame, and Thunder Clans. Xiao Xuan separated the conflicting bloodlines, imprinted an ancient rune on Xiao Yan's heart, and guided the participation of his Heavenly Flames to stabilize the fusion. 884

• Xiao Yan's Dou Sheng breakthrough perfectly integrated the restored Xiao Clan bloodline into his cultivation without hidden dangers. 891
• His complete Xiao Clan mark consists of nine patterns and initially raised his middle-stage one-star Dou Sheng cultivation to the late stage when activated. 891
• Combining the Xiao Clan mark with the Ancient Clan mark temporarily raised him to peak one-star Dou Sheng. 896
• Xiao Xuan believed that Xiao Yan could potentially use the Spirit, Thunder, Flame, and Ancient Clan marks because of his fused bloodlines; Huo Zhi offered to help him inscribe the Flame Clan mark. 893

Devouring Power and Physical Tempering

Xiao Yan possesses devouring power associated with the Nihility Devouring Flame, manifested through black flames and vortices. Its usefulness expanded from an early, highly exhausting trump card into a means of neutralizing energy, replenishing Dou Qi, and containing dangerous enemy remnants. 97 407 1245

• He used black vortices to absorb unstable lightning energy after enduring Lei Jingxiao's Heaven-tier attack, converting part of the assault into physical and spiritual growth. 407
• Heavenly Lightning Soul Forging strengthens both his soul and his body, including his bones and muscles. 563
• His devouring power and Flame Mantra can work together to absorb surrounding Dou Qi during demanding battles. 863
• In coordinated attacks with Xun Er, his black flames devour energy while her golden flames burn away enemy Dou Qi. 1245
• He swallowed black mist associated with the Extraterritorial Evil Clan after Jiang Yunyan killed its Heaven Demon Phoenix hosts, preventing those remnants from escaping. 1245

Heavenly Tomb Control and Injury Transfer

Xiao Yan gained control over the Heavenly Tomb's space with Xiao Xuan's assistance, using a mark on his brow to establish the connection. 904

• His Three Thousand Lightning Phantom Body, linked with an earthen puppet, can bear damage in his place. 286 407
• The clone can be recreated after destruction, but expendable earthen puppets limit repeated use of the injury-transfer method. Lei Jingxiao's lightning attack destroyed one such clone-puppet pair and left him with only one remaining puppet at that time. 407
• His phantom body can independently prepare a Buddha Fury Fire Lotus while his main body engages an opponent. 809

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Mystic Yellow Flame — A Heavenly Flame ranked twenty-third, absorbed to strengthen the Buddha Fury Fire Lotus. 1132
• Nihility Devouring Flame — One of Xiao Yan's seven Heavenly Flames; its fire spirit, Little Scale, coordinates the other flames. 1165 1169
• Crimson Lotus Karma Flame — Xiao Yan's original and most familiar Heavenly Flame, ranked eighth on the Heavenly Flame Ranking. 1 370
• Green Lotus Core Flame — One of Xiao Yan's core Heavenly Flames and a component of his multi-flame techniques. 372 890
• Sea Heart Flame — A Heavenly Flame acquired after Xiao Yan defeated Han Feng. 6
• Three Thousand Burning Flame — One of the five Heavenly Flames merged during Xiao Yan's advance to Dou Sheng. 890
• Eight Wastelands Destruction Flame — A sixth-ranked Heavenly Flame accepted from Huo Zhi; it possesses exceptional destructive power. 885 863
• Hurricane Qi — Rare wind energy stored for potential combat use. 1132
• Heavy Profound Ruler — Xiao Yan's primary close-combat weapon, later upgraded sufficiently to help him oppose two two-star Dou Shengs. 978
• West Dragon King War Puppet — A puppet enhanced by a fragment of a Dou Di ancestor's soul. 1132
• North Dragon King War Puppet — A newly refined puppet made from the North Dragon King's body and soul; Xiao Yan considers giving it to Xiao Yi Xian. 1132
• Three Thousand Lightning Phantom Body — A flame-and-lightning-tempered avatar that can fight independently and carry powerful Fire Lotuses. 269
• Heartblood Clay Puppet — A life-saving treasure that fused with Xiao Yan's avatar and enhanced its survivability. 269
• Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame Map — Xiao Yan recovered the final map fragment from Heavenly Scorpion's Storage Ring. 720
• Ancient Devouring Insect Queen — Given to Xiao Yan by Xiao Xuan; it can be absorbed to create the Ancient Insect Emperor Armor. 893
• Tier-nine Precious Medicinal Pill — Successfully refined with seven Heavenly Flames, reaching a quality close to a Mystic Pill. 1228 1229

Relationships

• Xiao Yi Xian — Xiao Yan's wife and a leading figure within Origin Return Manor. He trusts her with the manor's daily affairs, relies on her judgment, and considered entrusting the North Dragon King War Puppet to her for protection. She was warmly welcomed by Xiao Zhan and Xiao Ding when Xiao Yan reunited with his clan, and the couple later cooperated in preparing to claim the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame. 1132 1072 1090 758 1229
• Xun Er — Xiao Yan's longtime companion, romantic partner, and close ally. She has repeatedly fought beside and protected him, including during the Heaven Demon Phoenix conflict, and cultivated with him in the Heavenly Tomb. Their relationship was strained by Xiao Li's death and the Ancient Clan's treatment of the Xiao family, but she later chose to remain with Xiao Yan rather than return to the Ancient Clan. Their bond continued to deepen, and their flame techniques proved especially complementary in allied combat. 1130 1081 800 877 1115 1245
• Yao Lao — Xiao Yan's teacher, alchemy mentor, and adoptive father figure. Xiao Yan's alchemical development, Flame Mantra cultivation, and later attempts at tier-nine alchemy all stem from Yao Lao's guidance. 1 1084 1057
• Zi Yan — A close friend, frequent sparring partner, and powerful ally. She assisted Xiao Yan with the control of ownerless Heavenly Flames and later accompanied him on matters concerning Jia Nan Academy. Her timely reunion with him helped convince him that the moment indicated by Mu Yaoyin's prophecy had arrived. 8 664 1134 1176 1177
• Qing Lin — Origin Return Manor member and longtime attendant who has become a powerful Dou Sheng. Xiao Yan orders her recalled alongside the manor's scattered Dou Sheng-level experts. By the later period, she formed part of the harmonious family arrangement he shared with Xiao Yi Xian and Xun Er. 773 1132 1212
• Xiao Xuan — Xiao Yan's ancestor, mentor, and former guide in the Heavenly Tomb. He taught Xiao Yan, stabilized his bloodline fusion, and ultimately sacrificed his remaining existence for the Xiao Clan's future. 884 1144
• Huo Zhi — Flame Clan member whose sincere feelings for Xiao Yan complicated their relationship. She offered him the Eight Wastelands Destruction Flame to increase his strength. 885
• Mu Yaoyin — The Heavenly Luan Clan ancestor who recognized Xiao Yan as the clan's master and supported him from his earliest days in the Central Plains. Her death deeply affected him. 349 1133
• Wei Jiangyuan — A trusted friend and alchemical collaborator who willingly assists Xiao Yan with difficult alchemical work and efforts to help Xun Er. He also teases Xiao Yan about his past connection to Liang Mengying. 908 990 1212
• Xiao Yi Xian — Trusted Origin Return Manor associate. Xiao Yan relies on her to manage new recruits and considers entrusting the North Dragon King War Puppet to her for protection. 1132
• Xun Er — Ally who cautions Xiao Yan's group that the intelligence concerning the Ancient and Soul Clans may be false. 1132
• Qing Lin — Origin Return Manor member whom Xiao Yan orders recalled alongside its scattered Dou Sheng-level experts. 1132
• Xiao Xuan — Discusses Hurricane Qi with Xiao Yan and theorizes that it originated in an ancient era. 1132
• North Dragon King — His body and soul were used by Xiao Yan to create a War Puppet. 1132
• West Dragon King — His body became Xiao Yan's stronger War Puppet. 1132
• Xiao Zhan — Xiao Yan's father, whose pride and support remain central to his sense of family. Xiao Yan sought to rescue him and the clansmen from the Ancient Clan and later introduced Xiao Yi Xian to him. 4 758
• Xiao Ding — Xiao Yan's eldest brother and the Xiao family's new clan leader during its stay in the Gu Realm. He supports Xiao Yan's choices and welcomed Xiao Yi Xian into the family. 437 758
• Xiao Li — Xiao Yan's second brother. His death caused Xiao Yan profound grief and intensified the conflict over the Ancient Clan's failure to protect the Xiao family. 437 800
• Xiao Qingqing — Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian's daughter. He values time with her despite his responsibilities, and she affectionately recognizes him as her father. 763 1084
• Xuan Yi — Pill Tower leader and additional alchemy mentor who invited Xiao Yan to call her Aunt Xuan. She taught him refining techniques, offered to take him as a disciple, and entrusted her daughter Yao Qingyu's safety to him. 417 418 508 509
• Yao Qingyu — Yao Lao and Xuan Yi's daughter and Xiao Yan's junior sister. After learning her identity and condition, he promised to protect her and help reunite her family. 508 509
• Lei Jingxiao — Loyal friend who accepted Xiao Yan as his big brother after losing their wager and agreeing to obey him for one year. Their relationship developed into close battlefield cooperation; Xiao Yan also gave him a Bodhi Seed. 407 877 1083 1245
• Jiang Yunyan — Ally whose mission Xiao Yan sought to fulfill through his agreement with Lei Jingxiao. He later gave her a Bodhi Seed and bought time for her devastating sword technique during the allied war. 407 1083 1245
• Liang Mengying — An old acquaintance from the Splendid Flower Tower. Xiao Yan helped remove her frigid yin energy in exchange for the Three Mysterious Changes of Heavenly Fire. Their later reunion prompted teasing from Wei Jiangyuan, but Xiao Yan emphasized their earlier dealings and his contentment with his existing family life. 92 93 1212
• Fire Cloud Ancestor — Burning Flame Valley elder who explained the Xiao Clan's history and personally guided Xiao Yan in cultivating Ninefold Crimson Tide. 778 782
• Zhukun — Powerful expert whom Xiao Yan intends to consult concerning advancement to the Imperial State Soul. 1229
• Xiao Chen — An ancient Xiao Clan relative identified by Yan Yuan as Blood Axe Xiao Chen, Xiao Xuan's cousin. Xiao Yan recognized the fire slave in the Demon Flame Space as another ancestor of his clan. 1238
• Yao Ming — Battlefield ally who cooperated with Xiao Yan and Xun Er to suppress a Heaven Demon Phoenix Dou Sheng. 1245
• Gu Dao — An uncertain ally whom Xiao Yan cautiously reinforced against a seven-star Heaven Demon Phoenix, acting on Xun Er's assessment without fully abandoning his reservations. 1263
• Hun Feng — Soul Clan combatant whom Xiao Yan deliberately declined to assist during the allied battle, provoking an angry declaration that the Soul Clan could win without his support. 1245

Story Role / Major Arcs

Preparation for the Gu Yu Conflict

Xiao Yan responds cautiously to reports of a possible Ancient Clan and Soul Clan attack on the Thunder or Yao Clan's Gu Yu. He treats the intelligence as credible enough to prepare for, while keeping Origin Return Manor's source secret and avoiding actions that could expose it. 1132

Heavenly Tomb Refinement

While Origin Return Manor withdraws and consolidates its personnel, Xiao Yan spends three months in the Heavenly Tomb. There, he absorbs the Mystic Yellow Flame and completes the North Dragon King War Puppet. 1132

Mu Yaoyin's Final Days

Xiao Yan ends his seclusion when Mu Yaoyin reaches the end of her lifespan. Despite his efforts to save her, the long-term cost of her heaven-defying prophecy technique prevents a recovery, and Mu Yaoyin leaves him with a final clue concerning Jia Nan Academy. 1133 1134

During the ensuing six months without a major disturbance, uncertainty over the looming conflict weighs on him. Xiao Yi Xian assigns him manor inspections every fifteen days to keep him occupied and informed while preparations continue. 1134

Seven Heavenly Flames and the Continental Breach

After gathering seven Heavenly Flames, Xiao Yan develops the ability to command them separately through the Nihility Devouring Flame rather than relying solely on dangerous multi-flame fusion. He uses this unprecedented control in the effort to repair the breach in the continent. 1165 1170

Return to the Northwest Region

Following the collapse of the Ten Thousand Beasts Space, magical beasts flood into the Northwest Region. Xiao Yan arrives as an eight-star Dou Sheng, saves the region from the rampaging beasts, and reunites with his old Heavenly Snake Mansion associates. 1173

Zi Yan subsequently finds him and reports that Origin Return Manor is safe. With the immediate need to return diminished, Xiao Yan decides to follow Mu Yaoyin's clue and head to Jia Nan Academy with her. 1176

Return to Jia Nan Academy

Xiao Yan and Zi Yan seek something potentially connected to Dou Di and to defeating the Ancient and Soul Clans. Su Qian knows of no such treasure, but Xiao Yan remains confident in the information Mu Yaoyin obtained at the cost of her life. He recalls Mang Tianchi's earlier gift and asks about lizard monsters whose remains produce fire pearls resembling magic cores. 1177

Tier-nine Refinement and the Demon Flame Space

Xiao Yan refines a tier-nine Precious Medicinal Pill with his seven Heavenly Flames and confronts the resulting Black Demon Lightning alongside Little Scale. The refinement demonstrates his improved alchemy, while the lightning further tempers his soul. He chooses not to risk the nearly perfect pill in an uncertain attempt to promote it to Mystic Pill quality. 1228 1229

When reports indicate the emergence of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame, Xiao Yan agrees that Origin Return Manor must secure it whether or not he personally needs to absorb it. Three days after the Demon Flame Space appears, he leads dozens of manor experts to join the gathering forces outside it. Within the space, Yan Yuan's identification of Blood Axe Xiao Chen reveals the presence of another ancient Xiao Clan relative among the flame's slaves. 1229 1238

Continental Allied Army Battles

Xiao Yan combines his Nihility Devouring Flame with Xun Er's Golden Emperor Incinerating Heaven Flame while Yao Ming maintains offensive pressure against a Heaven Demon Phoenix powerhouse. Although this cooperation creates an advantage, continued fighting strains his soul toward exhaustion, a cost that replenishing Dou Qi cannot resolve. He buys time for Jiang Yunyan's concentrated sword attack and then devours the Extraterritorial Evil Clan mist left behind by her victims. 1245

As the allied army's advantage grows, Xiao Yan adopts a broader supporting role. He strikes a seven-star Heaven Demon Phoenix with Ninefold Crimson Tide to assist Gu Dao, then dispatches six Heavenly Flame glaze beasts into multiple engagements. His objective is to break the Phoenix Clan's resolve and secure an overwhelming allied victory rather than merely defeat one opponent. 1263

Trivia

• Xiao Yan possessed five Origin Heavenly Flames stronger than the Mystic Yellow Flame when he absorbed it; he later obtained a total of seven Heavenly Flames. 1132 1165
• He views the strength of a Dou Di as vastly beyond that of ordinary experts, based on the enhancement provided by the Dou Di soul fragment within the West Dragon King War Puppet. 1132
• Origin Return Manor's resurrection method is known to be currently performable only by Wang Yun, a limitation Xiao Yan deliberately withheld during the trade fair. 1132
• Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian have a daughter named Xiao Qingqing. 1084
• Xiao Yan's experiences in the Ancient Bodhi Tree's hundred lifetimes of reincarnation dramatically improved his mastery of Dou Techniques and Soul Techniques. 979
• Despite his brief stay at Jia Nan Academy, he became a campus legend remembered by alumni such as Lin Yan and Han Yue for his exceptional strength and connection to Zi Yan. 216 220
• His achievements in the Jia Ma Empire became so widely celebrated that some inhabitants built shrines to him and treated the Xiao surname as a mark of honor. 166
• The marriages and altered backgrounds experienced during the Ancient Bodhi Tree's reincarnations belong to those simulated lives, not necessarily to his actual family history. 957 958
• His harmonious family arrangement is one reason he avoids encouraging romantic ambiguity with Liang Mengying during their later reunion. 1212

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