A child prodigy of the Xiao clan, Xiao Yan mysteriously loses his Dou Qi at eleven and becomes the laughing stock of his town. Humiliated by Nalan Yanran, who comes to break off their engagement in front of the whole clan, he challenges her to a duel in three years and sets out to win back his place.
Personality
Proud, vengeful and iron-willed, Xiao Yan never forgets a humiliation. He is also loyal to his family, protective of his loved ones and grateful to those who helped him when he was nobody.
Powers & abilities
He masters Dou Qi and alchemy and collects Heavenly Flames, legendary fires he absorbs at the risk of his life. He combines these flames into a technique that makes him one of the most feared fighters on the continent.
History
He discovers that his loss of power comes from a ring inherited from his mother, home to Yao Lao's soul. Under his guidance he regains his strength, honours his challenge against Nalan Yanran and sets out on adventure. After Jia Nan Academy he founds the Yan Alliance and faces the fearsome Soul Hall.
Relationships
Yao Lao is his master and almost a father. Xiao Xun'er, his childhood friend, has always loved him. Queen Medusa, an enemy at first, becomes a companion. Nalan Yanran embodies the humiliation he swore to erase.
Key moments
- Nalan Yanran breaking off the engagement, and the three-year pact.
- Discovering Yao Lao in his mother's ring.
- The long-awaited duel against Nalan Yanran at the Misty Cloud Sect.
In the adaptations
The 3D donghua, launched in 2017, is one of Tencent Video's pillars. It is complemented by several films and specials, and by a live-action drama starring Wu Lei.
Did you know?
- His line "Don't look down on a poor young man" (莫欺少年穷) has become iconic in China.
- Battle Through the Heavens is one of the web novels that introduced the genre to millions of readers.
Our take
Xiao Yan is the archetypal comeback hero, and he does it with a panache few have matched. His three-year pact remains one of the most effective openings in the genre.
— Spidermas, for Donghua Fan