Xiao Yan

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Xiao Yan (萧炎)
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Xiao Clan; disciple of Medicine Elder (Yao Chen) 24
Occupation/Role	Dou Qi cultivator; aspiring alchemist 23 24
Status	Alive
First Appearance	Chapter 21

Background / History

Xiao Yan's soul originated from Earth, a “blue-and-white planet,” before he came to the Battle Qi Continent. He kept this transmigration secret from everyone around him. 22

He began cultivating Dou Qi at four, reached the ninth stage at ten, and became a one-star Dou Practitioner at eleven. His talent made him Wutan City's renowned young genius and the foremost member of the Xiao Clan's younger generation. 20 21

Two years before the clan test, his Dou Qi vortex vanished overnight. His cultivation then steadily declined despite continued effort, reducing him from a Dou Practitioner to the fourth stage of Dou Qi. The humiliation and ridicule he endured left him deeply frustrated and despondent. 21 22

Xie Tianxiao later revealed the cause: the soul residing in Xiao Yan's ancient black ring, Medicine Elder Yao Chen, had been absorbing his Dou Qi to restore himself. Xie Tianxiao used the essence of Seven Illusory Azure Spirit Saliva to awaken Yao Chen ahead of schedule, allowing Xiao Yan to confront him. 22 23

Although furious over the lost years of cultivation, Xiao Yan accepted Yao Chen as his master after learning that he possessed the fire-and-wood attributes required for alchemy. 23 24

Appearance

Xiao Yan is a youthful-looking young man with a delicate face, dark eyes, and a somewhat fair complexion. 21 22

• Often appears melancholy and withdrawn during the period of his declining cultivation. 21
• Wears an ancient black ring on his right hand; Yao Chen's soul resides within it. 22 23

Personality

Xiao Yan is proud, emotionally direct, and unwilling to quietly accept humiliation. The loss of his cultivation leaves him confused and self-deprecating, but he still seeks an answer rather than surrendering to his circumstances. 21 22

He is wary of offers that appear too convenient. Even while desperate to regain his strength, he questions Yao Chen's motives before agreeing to become his disciple. 23

Despite his anger toward Yao Chen and hostility toward Xie Tianxiao's demands, Xiao Yan is protective of his new master. He also remains gentle and attentive toward Xiao Xun'er, valuing her support during his lowest period. 21 24

Abilities & Skills

Dou Qi Cultivation

Xiao Yan was once a one-star Dou Practitioner but has regressed to the fourth stage of Dou Qi after Yao Chen absorbed his energy for two years. 21 23

• Began cultivating at age four. 20
• Reached the ninth stage of Dou Qi at age ten. 20
• Reached one-star Dou Practitioner at age eleven. 21
• Tested at the fourth stage of Dou Qi during the Xiao Clan's yearly assessment. 21
• Yao Chen promises to restore his progress and potentially bring him back to the Dou Practitioner realm by his coming-of-age ceremony. 23

Alchemy Aptitude

Xiao Yan naturally possesses the fire attribute with a trace of wood energy, fulfilling the fundamental requirement to become an alchemist. 23

• Accepted Yao Chen as his master specifically to learn alchemy. 23 24
• Has not yet demonstrated pill-refining ability in the documented chapters.
• Yao Chen intends to teach him both cultivation and alchemy over the following two years. 24

Equipment / Items

• Ancient black ring — A ring worn on his right hand that houses Yao Chen's soul. 22 23

Relationships

• Xiao Xun'er — Close childhood companion and staunch defender. She encourages him after his public humiliation and believes he will reclaim his dignity and surpass his former self. 21 22
• Yao Chen / Medicine Elder — Master. Yao Chen secretly drained Xiao Yan's Dou Qi for two years, but later accepts him as a disciple and promises to guide his cultivation and alchemy. 23 24
• Xie Tianxiao — A mysterious powerful figure who reveals Yao Chen's existence and helps awaken him. Xiao Yan resents Xie Tianxiao's pressure on Yao Chen and calls him unreasonable. 22 24 26

Story Role / Major Arcs

Xiao Clan Assessment

At the Xiao Clan's test, Xiao Yan records only fourth-stage Dou Qi. Clan disciples mock his fall from genius to failure, while Xiao Xun'er silences them and stays by his side. 21

Discovery of Yao Chen

Seeking solitude on the back mountain, Xiao Yan meets Xie Tianxiao, who claims to know the reason for his disappearing Dou Qi. Xie Tianxiao restores enough of Yao Chen's soul strength to force the latter to emerge from the ancient ring. 22 23

Taking a Master

After learning that Yao Chen caused his regression, Xiao Yan initially lashes out at him. He ultimately accepts Yao Chen as his master after discovering his aptitude for alchemy and the opportunity to regain strength and status. 23 24

Devouring Owl Saint's Intervention

Xie Tianxiao pressures Yao Chen into serving him and surrendering the Bone Chilling Flame in the future. Xiao Yan is rendered unconscious by Xie Tianxiao's released aura and later learns that Yao Chen has entered the Devouring Owl Saint's command. 25 26

Notable Quotes

“Perhaps coming to this world was a mistake from the start.” 22

“Whatever conditions you have, I'll agree to them!” 22

“Fine, I'll take you as my master. Teach me alchemy!” 23