Xiao Yan

Biodata

Name	Xiao Yan (萧炎)
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Xiao Household 12
Occupation/Role	Cultivator; disciple of Xiao Ni 44
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Third Duan of Dou Qi	5	Practices the High Earth-tier Eight Extremes Collapse, splitting a wrist-thick tree with a punch.
Fourth Duan of Dou Qi	12	Recorded during the Xiao Household assessment.
Eighth Stage of Dou Qi	43	Reaches this stage after using Foundation Elixir, with Aurora Liquid accelerating its absorption.

Background

Lan Suyin, Xiao Yan's mother, died from poison when he was two years old. Her black ring was the sole memento she left him. When Xiao Ni inspected the ring, Yao Lao emerged from within it and admitted that he had absorbed Xiao Yan's Dou Qi for three years, causing Xiao Yan's regression. Xiao Yan ultimately permitted Yao Lao to remain in the ring at Xiao Ni's urging. 1 2

Xiao Ni exchanged powerful cultivation resources for access to the ring, then gave Xiao Yan the Low Earth-tier Flame Mantra, three Heavenly Flames, powerful Dou Techniques, a Black Heavy Ruler, and Qi Gathering Powders. The sudden support gives Xiao Yan renewed confidence in his future and leads him to seek both Xiao Ni's and Yao Lao's guidance. 1 2

Xiao Ni later gives him a portrait of Lan Suyin and Foundation Elixir, strengthening Xiao Yan's resolve to cultivate. 6

Personality

Xiao Yan is initially skeptical of Xiao Ni's extravagant promises, but quickly becomes intensely grateful and determined after witnessing the quality of the techniques, pills, and Heavenly Flames he receives. He repeatedly considers offering a formal disciple's gift to Xiao Ni and eventually kneels to request acceptance as his disciple. 2 43

He is pragmatic in his dealings with Yao Lao: while considering Yao Lao as a potential master, he openly intends to use the old alchemist's resources and demands proof of Yao Lao's claimed superiority to Gu He. 5

Despite enduring ridicule from the Xiao Household, Xiao Yan remains driven. He rejects the household's mockery, recommits himself to cultivation, and confronts Nalan Yanran with confidence during the annulment dispute. 12 16

Abilities & Skills

Flame Mantra

Xiao Yan cultivates the Low Earth-tier version of the Flame Mantra passed to him by Xiao Ni. It allows him to absorb Heavenly Flames. 1

• Refined three gifted Heavenly Flames almost immediately. 2
• The technique is specifically suited to Xiao Yan and Xiao Ni; others who forcefully cultivate it risk losing control and being burned to ash. 30

Heavenly Flames

Xiao Yan possesses three Heavenly Flames gifted by Xiao Ni. 1

• Bone Chilling Flame — ranked eleventh among the Heavenly Flames. 1
• Fallen Heart Flame — ranked fourteenth. 1
• Green Lotus Core Flame — ranked nineteenth. 1

Eight Extremes Collapse

A High Earth-tier Dou Technique given by Xiao Ni. 2

• Xiao Yan can already use it at the Third Duan of Dou Qi to destroy a small tree. 5
• The technique contains eight layers of hidden force, though Xiao Yan lacks the strength to release all eight layers. 18

Flame-Splitting Wave-Shattering Ruler

A Low Heaven-tier Dou Technique gifted by Xiao Ni. 2

• Xiao Yan cannot cultivate it effectively at his early Dou Qi level because of its heavy energy requirement. 5

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Black Ring — Lan Suyin's memento; serves as Yao Lao's residence. 1
• Black Heavy Ruler — gifted by Xiao Ni; initially too heavy for Xiao Yan to lift, so he stores it in the Black Ring. 2 5
• Foundation Elixir — cultivation aid given by Xiao Ni; Xiao Yan uses it to accelerate his progress. 6 43
• Aurora Liquid — Xiao Ni gives Xiao Yan half a bottle, accelerating the absorption of his Foundation Elixir. 43
• Portrait of Lan Suyin — recovered by Xiao Ni and given to Xiao Yan. 6

Relationships

• Xiao Ni — Benefactor, mentor, and later master. Xiao Ni supplies Xiao Yan with techniques, Heavenly Flames, pills, and personal support; Xiao Yan formally asks to become his disciple and is accepted. 1 2 43 44
• Yao Lao — Soul residing in Xiao Yan's ring and prospective mentor. Yao Lao caused Xiao Yan's regression by absorbing his Dou Qi, but offers cultivation and alchemical guidance in return. 1 5
• Lan Suyin — Deceased mother. Her ring and portrait are treasured links to her. 1 6
• Xiao Zhan — Father and head of the Xiao Household. Xiao Yan is deeply concerned that the annulment of his engagement would damage Xiao Zhan's standing. 16
• Nalan Yanran — Former fiancée and rival. Xiao Yan repudiates her after she seeks to annul their engagement and vows to defeat her under the Three-Year Pact. 16 19
• Xiao Xun'er — Xiao Yan regards her as a sister, though he feels uneasy over her growing closeness with Xiao Ni. 12

Story Role / Major Arcs

Ring and Heavenly Flame Inheritance

After Xiao Ni exposes Yao Lao's presence in the black ring, Xiao Yan learns why his cultivation regressed. He receives the Flame Mantra, three Heavenly Flames, and elite Dou Techniques, transforming his prospects as a cultivator. 1 2

Xiao Household Assessment

Xiao Yan reaches the Fourth Duan of Dou Qi, but household members continue to ridicule him as a failure. Xiao Ni reassures him that they are destined to stand at the peak of the Battle Qi Continent. 12

Annulment and the Three-Year Pact

When Nalan Yanran arrives to annul their engagement, Xiao Yan refuses to quietly accept the humiliation. He repudiates her and challenges her to meet him again in three years. Xiao Ni later revises the pact so that Xiao Yan must win four of six challenges; if he succeeds, Nalan Yanran must serve him for a year. 16 19

Becoming Xiao Ni's Disciple

After Aurora Liquid and Foundation Elixir raise him to the Eighth Stage of Dou Qi, Xiao Yan formally kneels and asks Xiao Ni to accept him as a disciple. Xiao Ni agrees before departing for Qing Mountain Town. 43 44

Notable Quotes

“Even with my true level, I will defeat you!” 19

“Since I was able to create a miracle three years ago, what makes you think I cannot rise again in the years to come?” 16