Xiao Yan

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Xiao Yan (萧炎)
Alias(es)	Yan Xiao 99
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Xiao Clan; disciple of Medicine Elder; Jia Nan Academy; Pan's Gate 6 105 139
Occupation/Role	Cultivator, alchemist, Young Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan, leader of Pan's Gate 51 105 139
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Third Stage Dou Power	1	Tested at the Xiao Clan ceremony after three years without cultivation progress; publicly mocked as a fallen genius. 1
Seventh Stage Battle Qi	7	Reached the seventh stage during Medicine Elder's training, after his earlier stagnation. 7
Fighter / Dou Practitioner	7	Broke through after preparing under Medicine Elder's guidance; his former three years of tempering had made his foundation more solid. 6 7
Da Dou Shi	99	Reached the Da Dou Shi realm by the time of the Three-Year Agreement and defeated Nalan Yanran. 99 103

Background & History

Xiao Yan was once the Xiao Clan's celebrated prodigy, having become a Fighter at the age of twelve. His cultivation then declined for three years, leaving him at the Third Stage of Dou Power and making him the target of clan-wide ridicule. The cause was eventually revealed to be the ring containing Yao Chen, which had been absorbing his Dou Qi. 1 4 5

Xiao Yu's encouragement helps Xiao Yan abandon his self-pity and regain his ambition. When Nalan Yanran attempts to dissolve their engagement, Xiao Yan rejects the compensation offered to his clan, challenges her to a three-year duel, and issues a letter of repudiation rather than accepting a conventional annulment. 2 4

After Yao Chen reveals himself, Xiao Yan becomes his disciple alongside Xiao Yu, who is designated the senior disciple. Under Yao Chen's instruction, Xiao Yan rebuilds his cultivation, studies alchemy, and trains his body and Dou Qi through the Heavy Xuan Ruler. 5 6 47

By the end of the Three-Year Agreement, Xiao Yan has reached the Da Dou Shi realm. He defeats Nalan Yanran at the Misty Cloud Sect using Heavenly Flames, then prevents her suicide attempt and formally releases her from their marriage contract. 99

Upon returning to Wutan City, Xiao Yan finds the Xiao Clan devastated and Xiao Zhan missing. He accepts the position of Young Clan Leader, helps begin the clan's recovery, and heads to Jia Nan Academy after learning that his father's disappearance may be connected to the Soul Hall. 104 105 110

At Jia Nan Academy, Xiao Yan earns a top-five position in the Inner Academy selection, battles Xiao Yu in the final stages, and accepts leadership of the new-student faction Pan's Gate. 117 118 121 139

Personality

Xiao Yan initially struggles with humiliation and self-doubt after losing his cultivation, but he responds strongly to encouragement and recommits himself to becoming powerful. His challenge to Nalan Yanran demonstrates both pride and an unwillingness to allow his family or clan to be demeaned. 2 4

He becomes increasingly composed under pressure. When Yun Leng accuses him of murdering Mo Cheng, Xiao Yan denies the allegation rather than reacting impulsively; when he learns of Xiao Zhan's disappearance, he focuses on gathering information and improving his strength. 100 104 111

Xiao Yan respects Xiao Yu deeply but does not allow that respect to become complacency. During their academy match, he deliberately asks to witness Xiao Yu's strongest attack so that he can understand the gap between them and continue progressing. 119

Abilities & Skills

Alchemy

Xiao Yan is an accomplished young alchemist who competed under the identity Yan Xiao and won the Alchemist Grand Meeting. 99

• Uses Heavenly Flame in refinement, causing other alchemists' flames to react to his own. 92
• Successfully risks refining an unfinished pill outside the cauldron with his Heavenly Flame. 92
• Defeats Lu Mu through superior flame control and earns the respect of the academy's alchemy students. 112

Heavenly Flames and Flame Mantra

Xiao Yan uses the Flame Mantra to guide and refine unusual flames within his body. 82

• Possesses and employs the Green Lotus Core Flame. 112
• Combines Heavenly Flame with the Jia Ma Empire's Ganlan Water Flame during his duel with Nalan Yanran. 99
• His Heavenly Flames repel Elder Liu's attempt to interfere with his Heartfire Tempering. 141
• Uses flame control as both an alchemical and combat advantage. 92 112

Dou Techniques

Xiao Yan has mastered several offensive techniques through Yao Chen's training and practical combat.

• Eight Extremes Collapse — used to counterattack Bai Shan and injure him during the Inner Academy selection. 115
• Flame Splitting Tsunami Ruler — an Earth-tier technique used in his clash against Bai Shan; the collision with Bai Shan's trump card produces an explosion that forces nearby contestants away. 41 115
• Lion Tiger Gold Shattering Roar — trained under Yao Chen before entering the Inner Academy. 125

Combat Adaptability

Xiao Yan combines close-quarters fighting, weapon combat, flame control, and tactical restraint.

• Uses the Heavy Xuan Ruler against Xiao Yu in a duel whose force rivals a Dou Ling-level confrontation. 119
• Defeats Hu Jia through agility and Heavenly Flame use despite her powerful fists. 118
• Continues fighting through injuries and explosions during the selection competition. 116

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Heavy Xuan Ruler — a massive black ruler carried on his back; its weight and suppression of Dou Qi circulation are used for continual physical tempering. 47
• Yao Chen's ring — the ring that absorbed Xiao Yan's Dou Qi for three years and serves as Yao Chen's dwelling. 5

Relationships

• Xiao Yu — Senior martial brother, early supporter, and trusted ally. Xiao Yu helps restore Xiao Yan's resolve, arranges delivery of the Green Lotus Core Flame map, and sends protection to the Xiao Clan. 2 6 64 110 119
• Yao Chen / Medicine Elder — Master and alchemy mentor. Yao Chen accepts Xiao Yan as a disciple, guides his cultivation, and supports his desire to measure himself against stronger opponents. 5 6 119
• Xun'er — Close companion and romantic interest. Their affection becomes openly visible at Jia Nan Academy, and she remains deeply concerned for his well-being. 6 97 110 111
• Xiao Zhan — Father and Xiao Clan head. Xiao Yan is deeply affected by Xiao Zhan's disappearance and accepts the role of Young Clan Leader afterward. 4 104 105
• Nalan Yanran — Former fiancée and rival in the Three-Year Agreement. Xiao Yan defeats her at the Misty Cloud Sect and releases her from their marriage contract. 4 99
• Yun Yun — Misty Cloud Sect leader who intervenes when Yun Leng accuses Xiao Yan without evidence; later sends a message asking Xiao Yan to tell Xiao Yu that she is waiting at the sect. 100 101

Notable Quotes

“Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river—never look down on a poor young man!” 4

“Nalan Yanran, three years from now, I will come for you.” 4