Xiao Yan

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Xiao Yan (萧炎)
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Xiao Family; disciple of Yao Chen (Yao Lao) 2 8
Occupation/Role	Cultivator and alchemist-in-training under Yao Chen 8
First Appearance	Chapter 8

Background

Xiao Yan was formerly known as the Xiao Family’s genius, but his cultivation declined abruptly three or four years before Xuan Qing arrived in Wu Tan City, leading locals to call him a “cripple.” 2

One year before the story’s present events, Nalan Yanran annulled their engagement. The dispute resulted in their three-year agreement. 2

By this point, Yao Chen had awakened within Xiao Yan’s ring and become his teacher. Xuan Qing concludes that this prevented him from quietly taking the Bone Chilling Flame and Flame Mantra before Xiao Yan could gain them. 2

Appearance

Xiao Yan is a slender but developing youth with a large ruler carried across his back. Though he still has youthful features, Xuan Qing notes his striking looks and the beginnings of a tall, upright bearing. 8

• Carries a massive ruler. 8
• Appears young and somewhat slender. 8
• Has a noticeable heroic air despite his immaturity. 8

Personality

Xiao Yan is driven by opportunities to regain and expand his strength. He immediately recognizes the value of the Blood Lotus Crystal and accepts an unfavorable exchange for it because it is necessary to prepare for absorbing Heavenly Flames. 8

He can be impulsive, briefly suggesting that he and Yao Chen could simply seize the crystal by force. However, he heeds Yao Chen’s warning and avoids provoking Xuan Qing after learning that the latter is a Dou Emperor. 8

Abilities & Skills

Flame Mantra

A cultivation method associated with Xiao Yan and Yao Chen. Xuan Qing considers it exceptionally valuable and difficult to obtain after Yao Chen’s awakening. 2 8

• Its growth is linked to devouring Heavenly Flames. 9
• Requires specialized preparation to absorb Heavenly Flames safely, including Blood Lotus Pills. 8

Alchemy Training

Yao Chen guides Xiao Yan in identifying and using medicinal resources needed for future flame refinement. 8

• Recognized the Blood Lotus Crystal as a core ingredient for Blood Lotus Pills. 8
• Seeks resources needed to withstand the heat of Heavenly Flames. 8

Equipment / Items

• Massive ruler — carried on his back when he meets Xuan Qing. 8
• Blood Lotus Crystal — obtained from Xuan Qing by trading away a Dou Technique; a core ingredient in Blood Lotus Pills. 8
• Eight Extremes Collapse — a high-grade Xuan-tier Dou Technique surrendered to Xuan Qing in exchange for the Blood Lotus Crystal. 8
• Ring containing Yao Chen — Yao Chen’s awakening within this ring marked the end of Xiao Yan’s period of decline. 2

Relationships

• Yao Chen / Yao Lao — mentor and soul companion. Yao Chen advises Xiao Yan, explains the Blood Lotus Crystal’s importance, and stops him from confronting Xuan Qing. 8 10
• Nalan Yanran — former fiancée; her annulment of their engagement led to the three-year agreement. 2
• Xuan Qing — a dangerous, vastly stronger cultivator who trades Xiao Yan the Blood Lotus Crystal for Eight Extremes Collapse and later drives Xiao Yan and Yao Chen away from Yun Yun’s battle. 8 10
• Xiao Yi Xian — someone Xuan Qing’s system identifies as a person Xiao Yan could lose from his future path after Xuan Qing accepts her as a disciple. 3

Story Role / Major Arcs

Decline and Three-Year Agreement

Xiao Yan’s fall from genius status, the annulment of his engagement, and the resulting three-year agreement establish that his original path is already underway before Xuan Qing reaches Wu Tan City. 2

Blood Lotus Crystal Exchange

Xiao Yan notices the Blood Lotus Crystal deliberately displayed by Xuan Qing outside Myriad Medicine Hall. He trades Eight Extremes Collapse for it after recognizing its value, then learns from Yao Chen that it is essential to producing the Blood Lotus Pills needed for Heavenly Flame absorption. 8

Witness to the Lion King Battle

Xiao Yan and Yao Chen secretly observe Yun Yun’s battle with the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King. When Xuan Qing detects Yao Chen’s soul presence with overwhelming soul power, Yao Chen orders Xiao Yan to retreat rather than risk a confrontation. 10

Notable Quotes

“Couldn't we have just taken it by force?” 8