Xiao Yan

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Lost talent and the broken engagement

Xiao Yan was once a cultivation genius renowned throughout the Jia Ma Empire, but his Dou Qi dissipated over several years. By fifteen, he was assessed at only the third stage of Dou Qi and openly mocked by the Xiao Clan’s younger members 4 17 18.

His engagement to Nalan Yanran had been arranged by his grandfather, Xiao Lin, and Nalan Jie. Yanran publicly canceled it without Nalan Jie’s consent, humiliating Xiao Yan and his father. That humiliation became a major reason for Xiao Yan’s relentless training and led to the Three-Year Agreement 18.

Recovery and reconciliation

When Xiao Zhan tells him that the Nalan Family intends to apologize and may restore the engagement, Xiao Yan is stunned. He feels satisfaction that his grievance is being addressed, but also uncertainty and a sense of loss now that the goal driving his training has changed 18 19.

At the reconciliation meeting, Nalan Jie apologizes publicly and argues for restoring the marriage arrangement. Xiao Yan tries to decline tactfully rather than humiliate Yanran in return. Liu Yu then examines him and reveals that his talent has already returned and that he has reached seventh-stage Dou Qi 19.

Xiao Yan accepts Nalan Jie’s gifts but refuses an invitation to cultivate at the Nalan residence. He also accepts Yanran’s apology, and the gathering passes without anyone raising the Three-Year Agreement. By his later meeting with Liu Yu, the engagement has ended: with Nalan Jie as witness, Xiao Yan has acknowledged Yanran as his younger sister instead 20 26.

Journey to the Snake-People Tribe

Following a tip from Hai Bodong, Xiao Yan searches the Tagor Desert for a Heavenly Flame alongside his two elder brothers. They find no flame and instead encounter a Dou Ling-level Two-Headed Fire Spirit Snake. Qing Lin’s Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils prevent the encounter from becoming a serious disaster 24.

He subsequently travels to the Snake-People territory to obtain Sand Mandala. In Charm City, he is surprised by the peaceful coexistence of humans and Snake-People and by the presence of both a Mittel auction house and an Alchemist Guild 24.

In Sacred Feather City, Liu Yu detects Xiao Yan communicating with Yao Lao, briefly immobilizes him with soul power, and summons him to the Divine Temple. Yao Lao emerges from Xiao Yan’s ring, and the meeting develops into a friendly exchange. Liu Yu later gives Xiao Yan a young Green Lotus Core Flame in thanks for receiving the Flame Mantra from Yao Lao 26 27.

Alchemy Hall service

During Liu Yu’s absence, Xiao Yan becomes the Snake-People Tribe’s Alchemy Hall second retainer. The four elders praise his exceptional alchemical talent and diligence: his pill output surpasses even that of chief retainer Gu He, and he contributes substantially to the tribe 40.

The following chapter describes his position as second honored elder. Liu Yu suspects that Xiao Yan joined partly to see him, but this is Liu Yu’s interpretation rather than a confirmed motive 41.

Appearance

• Youthful, refined features: Nalan Jie describes him as an impressive young man 19.
• Resolute expression: His father and Nalan Yanran notice the determination in his face after his sustained training 18 19.
• Slightly sallow complexion: His formerly fair skin has acquired a faint yellowish cast 18 19.
• Black clothing: Wears black when approaching the Snake-People Divine Temple 26.

Personality

Xiao Yan is dedicated to cultivation and proud of his restored talent. His intensive training leaves him unfamiliar with recent events outside the Xiao Clan, and he takes particular satisfaction in Nalan Yanran’s surprise at his recovery 19 20.

Despite his resentment, he tries to preserve others’ dignity. He offers Yanran a graceful way out of the engagement discussion, accepts her apology calmly, and distinguishes Nalan Jie’s goodwill from her earlier actions. His eventual reconciliation does not entirely erase the old hurt 19 20 26.

He values independence without rejecting useful support: he accepts cultivation gifts but declines to move into the Nalan household. He is also cautious about danger and protective of his secrets, worrying about magical beasts above his rank and whether Liu Yu’s examination will expose Yao Lao 19 20 24.

Abilities & Skills

Flame Mantra

• Cultivates the Flame Mantra, an evolving method that can advance by consuming Heavenly Flames 4 27.
• Improves his cultivation method after obtaining purple flame through companion amethyst source 26.
• Recognizes the young Green Lotus Core Flame as an opportunity for further evolution; its absorption is not shown 27.

Flame Possession

• Purple flame: A beast flame acquired with help from Liu Yu’s companion amethyst source 26 27.
• Green Lotus Core Flame: Receives a young flame from Liu Yu, distinct from Liu Yu’s stronger Green Lotus Profound Blue Flame 27.
• Bone Spirit Cold Flame origin: Liu Yu obtains two origin fragments from Yao Lao, with one intended for Xiao Yan; no resulting advancement is recorded 27.

Purple Cloud Wings

• Uses the Purple Cloud Wings to fly through the Magical Beast Mountain Range while still a One-Star Dou Shi 24.
• Takes a Qi Recovery Pill during the journey before continuing toward the city gates 24.

Alchemy

• Recognized by the Snake-People elders for both outstanding talent and exceptional diligence 40.
• Produces more pills than Alchemy Hall chief retainer Gu He; this comparison concerns output, not a stated alchemist rank 40.

Equipment / Items

• Bone Flame Ring — Houses Yao Lao’s soul and conceals him during Liu Yu’s initial examination 19.
• Three supreme-quality Qi Gathering Powder pills — Refined by Liu Yu and presented by Nalan Jie after Xiao Yan’s recovery is revealed 20.
• Seven-striped Purple Gold Card — Accepts from Nalan Jie after declining the invitation to cultivate at the Nalan residence 20.
• Companion amethyst source — Liu Yu’s gift; helps Xiao Yan acquire purple flame and improve his cultivation method 26.
• Sand Mandala — The medicinal ingredient he seeks in Snake-People territory and receives from Liu Yu before leaving 24 27.

Relationships

• Xiao Zhan — Father. Supports him through the engagement dispute and is overjoyed when his recovered talent becomes public 18 19 20.
• Xiao Lin — Late grandfather. Arranged Xiao Yan’s engagement with his close friend Nalan Jie 18.
• Yao Lao — Teacher and concealed soul companion. Xiao Yan seeks his advice and approval, while Yao Lao frequently teases him about marriage 19 20 27.
• Xiao Xun’er — One of the few Xiao Clan members Xiao Yan deeply cares about. She opposes any attempt to force him into marriage and promises support equal to anything the Nalan Family can provide 19 20.
• Nalan Yanran — Former fiancée, later acknowledged younger sister. He accepts her apology and ends the engagement peacefully, though some resentment remains 20 26.
• Nalan Jie — His grandfather’s friend and a supportive elder. Xiao Yan respects his public apology and accepts his gifts, while resisting the renewed marriage arrangement 19 20.
• Liu Yu — Benefactor and sworn elder-brother figure. Helps him with cultivation resources and a Heavenly Flame; Xiao Yan agrees to call him “Big Brother Liu” 26 27.
• Qing Lin — Helps protect Xiao Yan and his brothers during their unsuccessful desert flame search through her Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils 24.

Trivia

• Liu Yu identifies Xiao Yan as the original story’s protagonist and future Flame Emperor. This is Liu Yu’s foreknowledge, not a rank or title Xiao Yan has attained in the documented events 4.
• Liu Yu deliberately avoids treating him as a rival, regarding him as someone who repays kindness and remains loyal to friends 4.
• According to Liu Yu’s recollection, Xiao Yan began cultivating Qi at four years old 1.