In the dynamic universe of Battle Through the Heavens (斗破苍穹), Xiao Yan (萧炎) achieves a monumental breakthrough by ascending to the Dou Sheng (斗圣) level, marking a new chapter filled with extraordinary encounters. After emerging from secluded training at Starfall Pavilion, he steps into the world as a One Star Dou Saint, poised to uncover secrets that defy ordinary cultivation limits. This phase of his journey is not just about power accumulation but about seizing rare opportunities that reshape his destiny and the fate of those around him. From ancient relics to fierce battles, each moment contributes to his growth, setting the stage for an epic tale of resilience and triumph.
Huangquan's Gifts
Xiao Yan's first significant acquisition was the Huangquan Blood Crystal (黄泉血晶), a rare material essential for crafting the Nine Yin Huangquan Pill. He journeyed to the Nine Serene Yellow Spring (九幽黄泉) with allies like Medusa, where he assisted Yao Ming (妖瞑), leader of the Nine Serene Earth Python Tribe, in gaining freedom. In return, he obtained the crystal, which proved vital in refining the pill needed to tame the Netherworld Demon Flame. This endeavor not only secured a lifesaving tool but also deepened his connections in the cultivation world, showcasing his ability to turn alliances into advantages.
While at the Nine Serene Yellow Spring, Xiao Yan uncovered the legacy of the Huangquan Demon Saint (黄泉妖圣) within a mystical stone tablet. This inheritance granted him three Heaven Rank Dou Techniques, including the powerful Huangquan Tiannu (黄泉天怒), a skill that could devastate opponents' souls. The essence blood from the saint provided a substantial boost, elevating his cultivation from early to late One Star Dou Saint almost instantly. These gains were not solely for his benefit; they enabled close companions such as Medusa and Yao Lao (药老) to advance to the Dou Saint realm, strengthening their collective force against looming threats.
The impact of these Huangquan rewards extended beyond immediate power surges. They equipped Xiao Yan with versatile abilities for cross-level combat, making him a formidable opponent even against stronger foes. The soul-shattering technique, in particular, became a cornerstone of his strategy, allowing him to overcome challenges that would have been insurmountable before. This phase underscored how strategic exploration and mutual aid could yield dividends that reverberate through one's entire cultivation path.
Flame and Soul
During a fierce confrontation with the Three Dragon Kings, Xiao Yan faced near-certain defeat, triggering the latent Dou Di (斗帝) bloodline infused by his ancestor Xiao Xuan (萧玄) in the Heavenly Tomb. This desperate moment awakened the dormant power, causing a dramatic surge in his abilities and laying the groundwork for his future ascent to the highest cultivation realms. The activation was more than a temporary boost; it planted a seed for ultimate breakthroughs, intertwining his fate with ancient lineages and setting him on a path few could follow.
Later, as the Sky Mansion Alliance took shape, Xiao Yan targeted the Human Hall of the Soul Palace, seizing the Sea Heart Flame from Mu Gu (慕骨) and absorbing stored soul sources to elevate his soul realm to Heaven Rank perfection. This enhancement sharpened his spiritual perception, allowing for greater control over energies and techniques. The fusion of flame and soul power not only fortified his defenses but also expanded his offensive capabilities, demonstrating how diverse elements could synergize to create a more balanced and potent cultivator.
In the Demon Flame Space, Xiao Yan teamed up with Xun Er to subdue the Netherworld Demon Flame, a top-tier strange fire that catapulted him to Five Star Dou Saint. The convergence of multiple flames bred a fire spirit named Xiao Yi (小伊), which revolutionized his combat style by instantly forming Buddha's Fury Lotus waves—a once-charged attack now deployable in rapid succession. This innovation multiplied his effectiveness in battles, such as when Xiao Yi absorbed a sub-flame of Vanishing Void Flame, unexpectedly gaining devouring properties that added yet another layer to his arsenal.
Bloodline and Beyond
Xiao Yan's return to Ancient Dragon Island involved supporting Zi Yan (紫妍) and defeating the North Dragon King, whose body he used to craft the North King Puppet at the Void Thunder Pool. By devouring Black Demon Thunder during the process, he advanced to mid Five Star Dou Saint, while the puppet gained Six Star Dou Saint prowess and Xiao Yi mastered thunder forces. This creation provided a loyal, independent fighter, highlighting Xiao Yan's ingenuity in transforming resources into lasting assets that could operate autonomously in critical moments.
Amid the turmoil at the Yao Clan (药族) ceremony, Xiao Yan consumed a Nine Profound Mystery Pill to escape a Seven Star Dou Saint pursuer, boosting his strength to Six Star Dou Saint. He then re-entered the Heavenly Tomb, where Xiao Xuan sacrificed himself to destroy the Tomb's Soul, enabling Xiao Yan to absorb its essence and break through to the Emperor Soul Realm. This soul-level transcendence was a pivotal shift, granting him unparalleled spiritual clarity and control that paved the way for handling even greater energies and confrontations.
In his third Heavenly Tomb visit, Xiao Yan refined the Nine Mysterious Gold Thunder's origin to produce a Nine Profound Thunder Calamity Pill, ascending to Seven Star Dou Saint upon consumption. A year later, at the Tu She Ancient Emperor Cave (陀舍古帝洞府), his mastery of the Flame Mantra and diverse flames earned the recognition of Tu She Ancient Emperor, allowing him to absorb the Emperor's Origin and achieve the Dou Di realm. This final step culminated in his victory over Hun Tian (魂天帝), illustrating how perseverance and a willingness to embrace every opportunity can lead to the apex of power.
