Xiao Yan

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Xiao Yan was once the Xiao Family's celebrated prodigy. He began cultivating at four, reached the ninth stage of Dou Qi at ten, and became a Dou Zhe at eleven. Three years before the Misty Cloud Sect arrived in Wutan City, an unexplained change caused his cultivation to vanish; he regressed to the third stage of Dou Qi and endured years of ridicule and cold treatment. 9

When Xu Qi examined him, Xiao Yan possessed the active red Talent Trait Fallen Genius, which greatly reduced his cultivation aptitude after shattering his confidence. He also had numerous inactive traits, including Underdog's Counterattack, Exotic Fire Sacred Body, Perseverance, and Called to Action in Crisis. 9

Personality

Xiao Yan is proud, defiant, and deeply unwilling to accept pity. When Nalan Yanran came to dissolve their engagement, he refused what he considered her “charity,” instead issuing a divorce letter in his own blood and turning the humiliation back on her. 10

His setbacks do not erase his ambition. He resolves to regain strength through cultivation rather than rely on the marriage contract, and he remains determined to defeat both Nalan Yanran and Xu Qi. 10 However, this determination becomes desperation during the Three-Year Agreement, when he refuses defeat and borrows Old Yao's power despite the risk of exposure. 67

Abilities & Skills

Dou Qi Combat

Xiao Yan regained his cultivation and became a nine-star Da Dou Shi by the Three-Year Agreement. 67

• Flame Splitting Wave Ruler — An ultimate attack performed with his Black Heavy Ruler while fusing black and red flames. 67
• His clash with Nalan Yanran's Extreme Wind: Meteor Kill produced shockwaves strong enough to nearly collapse the arena barrier. 67
• He continued fighting after being severely injured and forced to one knee by the collision. 67

Old Yao's Power

Old Yao serves as Xiao Yan's teacher and can provide both concealment and power. 40 67

• Old Yao concealed Xiao Yan so thoroughly that even Dou Huang experts would have difficulty detecting him. 40
• During the Three-Year Agreement, Xiao Yan called on Old Yao's energy, briefly displaying a genuine Dou Huang-level aura. 67
• The borrowed power exposed Old Yao's involvement; Xu Qi openly identified the act as Xiao Yan allowing his teacher to possess him. 67
• Old Yao's soul was later crushed by Xu Qi, ending Xiao Yan's access to his teacher's support. 69

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Black Heavy Ruler — Used to execute Flame Splitting Wave Ruler. 67
• Old Yao's ring — An item Xu Qi sought during the engagement dispute because of its connection to Old Yao. 10

Relationships

• Xiao Zhan — Father and Xiao Family patriarch; welcomed the Misty Cloud Sect delegation with Xiao Yan at his side. 9
• Nalan Yanran — Former fiancée and opponent in the Three-Year Agreement. Xiao Yan divorced her publicly, then swore to ascend Misty Cloud Sect and fight her three years later. 10 67
• Xu Qi — Rival. Xiao Yan challenged him after the engagement dispute and later fought him after invoking Old Yao's power; Xu Qi killed him. 10 67 69
• Old Yao — Teacher whose concealment and energy supported Xiao Yan's rise; Xu Qi destroyed Old Yao's soul during their final conflict. 40 67 69
• Gu Xun'er — Connected closely enough to call him “Brother Xiao Yan”; she was devastated by his death and sought vengeance against Xu Qi. 69 85
• Ling Ying — Accompanied Xiao Yan during the Three-Year Agreement and was killed alongside him and Old Yao. 69

Story Role / Major Arcs

1. Engagement Dissolution — During the Misty Cloud Sect's visit to Wutan City, Xiao Yan rejected Nalan Yanran's attempt to end their engagement on her terms. He issued her a bloody divorce letter, declared the Xiao Family severed from her, and established the Three-Year Agreement. He also challenged Xu Qi. 10

2. Monster Beast Mountain Range Encounter — While searching the mountain range, Xiao Yan encountered Xu Qi carrying the unconscious Yun Yun. He suspected Xu Qi had deliberately followed him and withdrew rather than confront the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King's forces. 18

3. Clear Moon Sword Auction — Xiao Yan competed with Xu Qi for the Clear Moon Sword but could not match Xu Qi's bid of 1.41 million. Old Yao advised him to abandon the purchase and potentially seize it later. 49

4. Three-Year Agreement — Xiao Yan fought Nalan Yanran at Misty Cloud Sect. Though initially defeated, he borrowed Old Yao's power to reach a temporary Dou Huang aura and sought to fight both Nalan Yanran and Xu Qi. 67

5. Death — Xu Qi crushed Old Yao's soul, subdued Xiao Yan, and killed him after declaring the agreement over. Xu Qi then proclaimed Nalan Yanran the victor without objection from the assembled guests. 69

Notable Quotes

“I, Xiao Yan, do not need your charity! Since you are so determined to dissolve the marriage contract, then today, I will grant you your wish!” 10

“Nalan Yanran, three years from now, I will personally ascend Misty Cloud Sect and fight you to the death, washing away today's humiliation!” 10