Xiao Yan

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Xiao Yan is the Xiao Clan’s third young master and the younger brother of Xiao Ding and Xiao Li. He reached Dou Zhe at eleven, but his Dou Qi subsequently began disappearing. Over three years, both newly cultivated energy and his existing reserves dwindled, leaving him at Third Stage Dou Qi 8 13 17 48.

Numerous experts failed to identify the cause. His father, Xiao Zhan, even sought assistance from the Nalan Family, without success. As his decline continued, Xiao Yan endured contempt within his surroundings and public mockery from the Jia Lie Family 8 13.

The narrative states that Xiao Yan’s soul is already that of an adult. This informs his caution toward unexpected favors: despite Qin Yun’s intervention on his behalf, he understands that help may come with expectations 12.

Personality

Xiao Yan is proud, but refuses to secure victory by having an opponent unfairly weakened. When Qin Yun offers to reduce Nalan Yanran to Third Stage Dou Qi, he declines and chooses to settle their grievances through his own efforts 12.

His pragmatism does not erase his resentment. He initially rejects Yao Chen as a teacher because of the three years of suffering the elder caused, then reconsiders upon learning his credentials. Rather than pretending to have forgiven him, Xiao Yan openly acknowledges his lingering anger while committing to the teacher–disciple bond 14.

Gratitude quickly becomes loyalty. He promises to repay Qin Yun, defends him against Xun’er’s suspicion, and vows to avenge Yao Lao. His determination also survives painful training: after the first whipping, he stuffs cloth into his mouth, resumes his horse stance, and asks to continue 13 15 16 18.

Abilities & Skills

Dou Qi Cultivation

Xiao Yan resumes normal cultivation once the source of his energy loss is exposed. Under Yao Lao’s guidance and with Qin Yun’s resources, he advances faster than in the original timeline 13 18.

• Reached Dou Zhe at eleven before his regression 17.
• Circulates Dou Qi while holding a horse stance to progressively purify it 18.
• At Fifth Stage Dou Qi, qualifies to begin Yao Lao’s demanding special training 18.

Physical Conditioning and Endurance

Yao Lao’s training combines continuous Dou Qi circulation with external physical punishment to improve Xiao Yan’s body 18.

• Endures strikes from a condensed Dou Qi whip while maintaining his cultivation routine 18.
• Continues training under Feng Qing’er’s more painful barbed whip 19.
• Receives a medicinal mixture on his injured back that promotes healing and accelerates cultivation, despite causing severe pain 19.

Equipment / Items

• Mother’s Storage Ring — A keepsake worn since childhood. It houses Yao Chen’s soul and is the location from which the dormant elder absorbs Xiao Yan’s Dou Qi. Removing it reveals the cause of his regression 13.
• Cultivation resources supplied by Qin Yun — Medicinal ingredients and plentiful pills support his early recovery and faster advancement 18 25.

Relationships

• Qin Yun — Benefactor and close friend. Protects the Xiao Clan’s dignity, resolves Xiao Yan’s Dou Qi problem, and helps arrange his apprenticeship. Xiao Yan increasingly calls him “Big Brother Qin” and considers sworn brotherhood; no completed oath is documented 10 13 14 24.
• Yao Chen / Yao Lao — Teacher and former cause of his regression. Offers his knowledge in compensation; Xiao Yan promises to honor their bond and, if possible, restore his physical body 13 14.
• Xiao Xun’er — Romantic partner and protective confidante. Investigates Qin Yun’s motives and warns him against harming Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan knows her origins are mysterious, but is not shown learning the Gu Clan’s role in his clan’s decline 16 17 25.
• Nalan Yanran — Fiancée and opponent in the Three-Year Agreement. Both accept a future nonlethal duel, after which the engagement will end regardless of the result 11 12.
• Xiao Zhan — Father. Seeks help for Xiao Yan’s unexplained condition and thanks Qin Yun for defending his son and the clan’s dignity 12 13.
• Xiao Ding and Xiao Li — Older brothers, associated with the Desert Iron Mercenary Group. Their gratitude toward Qin Yun deepens when they learn what he did for Xiao Yan 48.
• Feng Qing’er — Qin Yun’s companion and temporary training assistant. Initially dismisses Xiao Yan’s potential, then takes over his endurance training with a barbed Dou Qi whip 17 18 19.
• Fei Tian — Provides minor assistance or resources during Xiao Yan’s training alongside Qin Yun and Feng Qing’er 18.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Engagement Dispute and Three-Year Agreement

Nalan Yanran’s public attempt to dissolve their engagement humiliates Xiao Yan and his clan. His defiant declaration prompts Qin Yun’s entrance and open support 10.

Qin Yun negotiates a revised settlement: the engagement remains in place for three years, then ends after a nonlethal duel. Xiao Yan accepts, refuses the offer to weaken Nalan Yanran, and declares that the duel will settle their grievances before they sever ties 11 12.

Yao Lao’s Awakening and Apprenticeship

In a private conversation, Qin Yun directs Xiao Yan to remove his mother’s ring. When his cultivation succeeds, Qin Yun calls forth Yao Chen, who admits to unconsciously draining his Dou Qi. Xiao Yan’s attempted punch passes through the elder’s soul body 13.

Qin Yun proposes an apprenticeship. After learning that Yao Chen was a Nine-Turn Peak Dou Zun and an Eighth-Tier Alchemist, Xiao Yan asks to become his disciple. Their formal agreement joins Yao Chen’s promise to teach with Xiao Yan’s commitment to help restore his body 14.

Recovery, Training, and Qin Yun’s Departure

Xiao Yan reaches Fifth Stage Dou Qi and begins intensive physical conditioning. His perseverance becomes Qin Yun’s example to Feng Qing’er of why a humble starting point should not determine someone’s prospects 18 19.

He also watches Qin Yun and Feng Qing’er’s rematch, eating iced watermelon and unsuccessfully trying to join Yao Lao and Fei Tian’s wager 19 20.

By Qin Yun’s departure, Xiao Yan has become deeply attached to him. He promises future support even if he reaches Dou Di, offering to share half his cultivation—a pledge, not a demonstrated ability 24 25.

Place in Qin Yun’s Plans

• Qin Yun initially seeks Xiao Yan’s friendship to prevent the Wind and Lightning Pavilion’s destruction as depicted in the original story 1.
• His foreknowledge identifies Xiao Yan as the future Flame Emperor, but the supplied events only document his recovery to Fifth Stage Dou Qi 1 18.
• Qin Yun regards him as a potential safeguard against Hun Tiandi, while later resolving not to leave the entire burden of that future threat to him 15 44.

Notable Quotes

“Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river! Don't you bully a young man just because he's poor!” 10

“At that time, all our grievances will be resolved in that single duel, and after the fight, the two of us will have nothing more to do with each other from then on, completely severing all ties.” 12

“Don't worry. From now on, your business is my business. Never mind a Nine-Star Dou Saint—even if I become a Dou Di, I'll share half my cultivation with you.” 25