Xiao Yan

Biodata

Power Progression

Background and History

Xiao Yan was once regarded as a Xiao Family genius. After his Dou Qi began draining away, his cultivation fell to the third stage and he endured three years of ridicule. His father, Xiao Zhan, continued to protect him and secure cultivation resources despite pressure from the clan elders 5 20.

In Wutan City, Xiao Yan noticed Lu Chuan’s modern clothing and tested him with a familiar code phrase, hoping they shared a connection to his former world. He invited Lu Chuan to the Xiao estate, where he learned that Lu Chuan could travel between worlds and awaken Martial Souls 4 5 6. Lu Chuan’s request for Foundation Establishment Spiritual Liquid exposed Yao Lao, the spirit in Xiao Yan’s ring who had been consuming his Dou Qi. Xiao Yan was furious, but accepted Yao Lao as his master when the alchemist offered to teach him and help restore his strength 7.

Xiao Yan traded the liquid and its refining formula for a Martial Soul awakening. He received Emberfire and regained the ability to advance his Dou Qi 8 18 20. When his fiancée Nalan Yanran came to dissolve their engagement, he publicly repudiated her instead and won the ensuing duel. Yao Lao took control of Xiao Yan’s body after Nalan gained the upper hand, using Emberfire to bind her with flaming ropes 33 34.

Lu Chuan later permitted Xiao Yan and Xun’er to visit Douluo Continent under rules against freely hunting Soul Beasts, killing people, or trading Spirit Bones. Xiao Yan entered the Great Soul Arena there and won his first documented match despite having no Spirit Rings 76 81.

Personality

Xiao Yan is eager for opportunities to grow stronger, but his ambition is tempered by insecurity about the Xiao Family’s modest standing and depleted bloodline 7 10 18. He accepts Emberfire’s ordinary strength with gratitude, focusing instead on the Soul Power and renewed cultivation it gives him 18.

His pride is strongest when his family or teacher is involved. He vows to repay Xiao Zhan for standing by him, refuses to accept the humiliation of Nalan Yanran’s proposed breakup, and later commits himself to avenging Yao Lao’s betrayal by Han Feng 20 33 87 88. He is also openly playful with people he trusts, particularly Lu Chuan and Yao Lao 10 48 82.

Abilities and Skills

Emberfire Martial Soul

A flame Martial Soul that Yao Lao judges comparable to ordinary beast fire. Its awakening also grants Xiao Yan Soul Power 18.

• Xiao Yan can summon Emberfire to burn opponents and wreath his fists in flame 20 33.
• Controlling its shape takes practice; early training lets him hold it around his hands only briefly 25.
• During the duel with Nalan Yanran, Yao Lao controls Xiao Yan’s body and shapes the flame into a blade, fireballs, and binding ropes. Yao Lao tells Xiao Yan he can learn that control himself 33 34.

Dou Techniques and Combat

• Rock-Splitting Fist — Used alongside Emberfire against Nalan Yanran 33.
• Suction Palm — Pulls an arena opponent off balance 81.
• Eight Extremes Collapse — A self-created Dou Technique that sends Frenzied Lion out of the arena 81.
• Yao Lao’s Possession — Yao Lao can take control of Xiao Yan’s body, greatly increasing his fighting power; this is his teacher’s technique rather than Xiao Yan’s independent ability 33 34 77.

Equipment and Items

• Black Naji ring — Houses Yao Lao’s spirit 7.
• Immortal Herb — Xiao Yan receives one from Lu Chuan; its identity and use are not specified 76.
• Iron Soul Arena badge — Issued when he registers at the Great Soul Arena under the codename “Lucky Guy” 80.

Relationships

• Xiao Zhan — His father and steadfast supporter through his loss of cultivation. Xiao Yan vows to become strong enough to repay him 5 20.
• Yao Lao (Yao Chen) — His alchemy teacher. Their bond begins after Xiao Yan discovers Yao Lao caused his decline, then grows into a close mentorship 7 13 87.
• Xiao Xun’er — His childhood companion and defender. Their closeness becomes strained after she learns more about his identity and Yao Lao’s presence, though they later prepare to travel and compete together 5 8 76.
• Lu Chuan — His interworld trading partner, whom Xiao Yan calls “Big Brother.” Lu Chuan awakens his Martial Soul and later brings him to Douluo Continent 7 18 76.
• Nalan Yanran — His former fiancée. Her attempt to break their engagement leads to a public duel and Xiao Yan’s repudiation of her 33 34.
• Xiao Ning — A fellow Xiao Family youth who mocks Xiao Yan’s decline in front of visitors 5 6.
• Han Feng — Yao Lao’s former disciple and betrayer; Xiao Yan resolves to grow strong enough to avenge his teacher 87 88.

Notable Quotes

“Don’t worry, Father. I’ll become strong! I’ll make everyone who looked down on me look up to me!” 20

“Teacher, I want to cultivate the Flame Mantra! No matter how difficult it is, I will clean house for you!” 88