SangYao

SangYao is the slash ship between Nie Huaisang and Jin Guangyao from the Mo Dao Zu Shi fandom.

Canon
The first encounter between Nie Huaisang and Meng Yao occurs during the war against the Wen Clan. Meng Yao, at the time rejected from the Golden Carp Tower after his mother's death, endured harsh treatment during the Sunshot Campaign due to his status as Jin Guangshan's illegitimate son. His vulnerability led him to cross paths with the Nie Clan.

Meng Yao's trajectory takes an unxepected twist when he is recruited as the vice-captain to Nie Mingjue, Nie Huaisang's elder brother. It is Nie Mingjue who, after a while serving him, suggests to Meng Yao that he should seek recognition from his father, Jin Guangshan, the powerful sect leader of the Jin Clan of Lanling. Meng Yao takes his advice and leaves.

Meng Yao is rejected again, and to prove his value, he swears allegiance to the Wen Clan, which led him to be perceived as a traitor by the world at large. However it is revealed later that Meng Yao was, in fact, working as a spy within the Wen Clan's ranks. After the victory, Meng Yao is finally recognized by his father and bestowed the name Jin Guangyao, becoming known to the world as Lianfang-zun.

Throughout the narrative, it becomes evident that Nie Huaisang and Meng Yao share a close and positive relationship. The depth of their bond remains unexplored in explicit detail within the source material. Nevertheless, it is implied that their connection is characterized by mutual trust and camaraderie.

As sworn brothers, Nie Mingjue and Jin Guangyao forge an apparently closer bond. Jin Guangyao's frequently travels to the Unclean Realm, the Nie Clan's domain, to play the song "Clarity" for Nie Mingjue. Every time, he bears gifts and tokens of friendship for Nie Huaisang. These offerings range from rare books to art and trinkets collected from across the world, illustrating their close connection. Jin Guangyao is seen defending Nie Huaisang's from Nie Mingjue's temper, who tries to make him cultivate and train with his saber despite not being interested in it. He also defends Nie Huaisang when Nie Mingjue burns all his art pieces and books. Jin Guangyao makes sure he doesn't hurt himself trying to save his beloved possessions and confronts Nie Mingjue.

Following the tragic death of his elder brother due to Qi deviation, Nie Huaisang reluctantly assumes leadership of the Nie Clan of Qinghe, a role he never desired. Jin Guangyao and Lan Xichen, as Nie Mingjue's sworn brothers, help him secure the position. Under the guise of "The Headshaker" or the good-for-nothing leader, Nie Huaisang orchestrates a meticulously planned revenge against Jin Guangyao, who he believes guilty for his brother's death. Although in the books is not clear, in the movie Fatal Joruney (2020), Nie Huaisang finds out that Jin Guangyao had been playing a tampered version of "Clarity", which had the opposite effect of the pacifying one the real Song of Clarity was meant to have. Nie Huaisang methodically collects evidence of Jin Guangyao's crimes with the intent of exposing him at the opportune moment.

Nie Huaisang employs Mo Xuanyu, Jin Guangyao's half-brother, as a pawn in his elaborate plan. Mo Xuanyu's participation in a resurrection ritual to bring back Wei Wuxian is a critical element of Nie Huaisang's strategy.

Additionally, Nie Huaisang orchestrates a revelation of Jin Guangyao's criminal activities by leading a group of clan juniors to confront Xue Yang, a notorious criminal working with Jin Guangyao. This exposes the ongoing collaboration between Xue Yang and Jin Guangyao in the plot to restore the yin tiger tally. Furthermore, Nie Huaisang bribes two witnesses of Jin Guangyao's crimes and sends them to share their testimony, effectively exposing Jin Guangyao at a strategically chosen moment.

In a climactic turn of events, Nie Huaisang plays a crucial role in Jin Guangyao's ultimate demise. By pretending to react with horror at the prospect of Jin Guangyao attempting to harm Lan Xichen, Nie Huaisang prompts Lan Xichen to act defensively, resulting in Jin Guangyao's fatal injury.

In the "CQL" (陈情令) adaptation of the story "The Untamed", Meng Yao serves as Nie Huaisang's servant. Their interactions are marked by moments of camaraderie and loyalty, with Meng Yao shielding Nie Huaisang from danger on various occasions.

Fanon
Fans ship SangYao due to their parallels and marked differences. Both characters possess qualities that set them apart from the norm within their respective clans. Nie Huaisang, despite his suspicions and knowledge of Jin Guangyao's actions, must grapple with the heartache of Jin Guangyao's betrayal. At the same time, he is required to maintain a facade of friendliness and civility, as if nothing has transpired between them.On the other hand, Jin Guangyao presents a facade of gentleness and friendship to the world, concealing the fact that this persona is, in part, a mask. Fans have also noticed that Jin Guangyao seems to retain a degree of fondness for Nie Huaisang despite everything.

Fandom

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Trivia

 * They both manipulate Lan Xichen. Jin Guangyao to obtain the Song of Clarity score that would end up killing Nie Mingjue and Nie Huaisang making him believe Jin Guangyao was about to stab him behind his back.
 * While investigating the mystery, Wei Wuxian notices there are at least two persons involved in the case of the dismembered corpse. He says "The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind", referring to Jin Guangyao being targeted by an enemy in the shadows, said enemy turned out to be Nie Huaisang. This proverb is used to describe people who pursue immediate gains while neglecting greater danger behind.