XiaoLumi

"I don’t know if it’s related to you, but, recently, the pain from my karmic debt has been less excruciating. It’s much easier to bear than before."

- Xiao: "Want to chat?" Serenitea Pot voiceline

XiaoLumi is the het ship between Xiao and Lumine from the Genshin Impact fandom.

Chapter I: Act I
Lumine and Paimon are suspected of killing Rex Lapis at the Rite of Descension. The pursuing Millelith are defeated by Tartaglia who advises them to seek the adepti of Liyue to deliver the message of Rex Lapis' death to them and clear their name. He gives them a Sigil of Permission to prevent the adepti from harming them in case they become hostile. After going to the highest balcony of the Wangshu Inn, Lumine and Paimon pause to admire the scenery when Xiao suddenly appears besides them, startling both of them. He notices their possession of a Sigil of Permission and comments how well-prepared they came; although he adds that it only prevents him from hurting them, as it doesn't stop them from getting hurt in other ways. He warns them about getting involved in the world of adepti and advises them to leave for their own sake. Before Lumine or Paimon get to properly talk, Xiao disappears.

Lumine reunites with the owner of Wangshu Inn, Verr Goldet, and questions her about Xiao in hopes to get to converse with him, to which she gets impressed and remarks that Xiao must have been in a good mood if he showed himself to them. She suggests seeing the chef to make him a bowl of Almond Tofu, Xiao's favorite meal, along with a plate of whatever Lumine is best at making; she and Paimon decide on Satisfying Salad. They meet him again and offer him the dishes, which he accepts, and inform him of what happened in Liyue. Xiao is shocked to hear about the death of Rex Lapis and says he will seek out the other adepti.

Chapter I: Act III
Xiao and Lumine meet again at the Jade Chamber after Tartaglia unleashes Osial, the Overlord of the Vortex, to lure out Rex Lapis. When Osial emerges from the sea, Lumine and Paimon rush to the Jade Chamber in order to help defend Liyue against it. Xiao is found there along with the other adepti, questioning why she has come. The adepti, the Qixing and Lumine start to fight Osial and the Fatui with the use of the Guizhong Ballistas. When Osial begins to attack, Xiao shows concern for Lumine and warns her not to get hit. He soon blesses her with his adeptal powers as well, greatly increasing her movement speed.

They manage to repel the Fatui assault, upon which the three adepti on the ballista fire a powerful shot at Osial, but it retaliates by unleashing an incredibly powerful attack, causing the platform in which Lumine and the geoarmy were fighting on to break, and making Lumine to fall from a deadly height to the sea. However, Xiao makes use of his teleporting abilities and quickly rescues Lumine by holding her from behind, taking her to safety. Back to the Jade Chamber, Xiao holds an exhausted Lumine by holding her hand and waist to support her. Xiao tells Lumine to be careful while gently squeezing her hand, which she acknowledges.

After Ninguang decides to sacrifice the Jade Chamber in order to defeat Osial once and for all, the adepti and Lumine combine their powers at last to do so.

Alatus Chapter
Act I: Butterfly's Dream One day outside Wangshu Inn, Lumine and Paimon encounter a masked adeptus who calls himself “Starsnatcher” that can apparently grant people's wishes, although his manner of operating is immediately suspicious. Later at Wanwen Bookhouse, they witness Starsnatcher purchasing a copy of the book “Yakshas: The Guardian Adepti”. The book tells the story of the Yakshas and how only one remains alive today, the Conqueror of Demons. Lumine and Paimon, now even more suspicious of Starsnatcher, head back to Wangshu Inn. They find more corrupted hilichurls, which Lumine has to finish off.

Using Elemental Sight, Lumine tracks the evil aura of the hilichurls and leads them to Xiao, who easily defeated them. He explains that the changes in the hilichurls stem from the karma he has accumulated; additionally, he notices that it caused Lumine some trouble, leading Paimon to think about his unusual politeness. They soon realize that he is the sole surviving Yaksha mentioned in the book and Paimon feels pity for him. However, Xiao dismisses the book and explains that his deceased comrades would feel insulted by their pity.

He tells them that he was there to cleanse a cavern of demonic influence. To make up for her accidental rudeness, Paimon requests she and Lumine be allowed to help him with the cavern, to which Xiao reluctantly agrees.

After cleansing the cavern, the pair inform him of the fake adeptus who had been using a Sigil of Permission to exorcise the demons. Xiao deduces this to be the reason the demons were congregating in the first place and states that they would have to confiscate the sigil. To do this without resorting to violence, he decides to use an adepti art – the Dream Trawler, which can be used to call the souls of others.

Xiao tells them to head to a shrine near Mt. Tianheng to fetch certain items. At the shrine, Lumine and Paimon encounter the remains of a junior Yaksha named Pervases who helps them procure what they need. Sensing Xiao’s karmic burden on them, he tells them to send his regards to him before his illusion and voice disappears forever. The ritual is successful and Xiao chastises Starsnatcher. Upon learning Xiao’s identity, Starsnatcher promises to not pull such deceptions again and Xiao accepts his oath.

When Lumine and Paimon return to Wangshu Inn the following day, Starsnatcher had left them the Sigil of Permission and a letter. Lumine gives the sigil to Xiao who thanks them for their help. Xiao orders Grilled Tiger Fish, Pervases's favourite dish, and Lumine urges Paimon that they should leave to give Xiao space.

Perilous Trail
Chasmic Maze After realizing that the group is stuck inside the underground domain of the Chasm with no apparent way out, Lumine remembers that Xiao, who they briefly met beforehand, should still be there too. Since he promised to always come when calling his name, Lumine gives it a try, but gets no response. She tries again, but it turns out that even Xiao can't sense their presence there.

Danger All Around After solving the puzzles found within a new domain, the group sees an illusion of Xiao. Lumine asks about his wellbeing, but Xiao is barely able to respond before the space interrupts the illusion. Yanfei later figures that this domain changes accordingly to people's desire in order to trick and trap them. She convinces Lumine that they should concentrate and imagine finding Xiao, which leads them to another spatial rift that allows them to communicate with him.

Lumine asks Xiao to come find them, but he initially refuses since his condition is harmful to others. However, after he finds out that Lumine was in danger too, he changes his mind and manages to attack the rift and reunite with them. Lumine gets worried upon noticing he was injured.

Once they make it back to the camp, Xiao tells Lumine that they can avoid getting split up now. Along with the others, Lumine urges him to rest. As she watches him rest, she wonders if he's capable of having dreams.

End of the Line Once Xiao has woken up, he tells Yanfei and Lumine what he experienced in the domain and that he had found who he was looking for: it was another Yaksha named Bosacius, although it was just an illusion. Xiao also reveals his plan to use all the energy he has to create a rift that will allow the others to go outside. This would result in self-sacrifice and him staying in the domain. The group rejects this plan, including Lumine who wants to leave together.

Soon after, the group discovers a new domain that they plan to explore for a possible way out. Xiao says he will find a way and disappears. Lumine asks him to wait, but he is already gone before he can hear.

They find Xiao once again after a while of being inside the domain. Lumine calls out his name and they rush to help him, but he urges them to stay back. After his battle is over, Lumine reminds him that he hasn't recovered from his injuries, but he tells her not to worry.

At Tunnel's End, Light During the cutscene of everyone escaping the domain, Xiao exhausts all his strength to get the group to the surface, but is unable to maintain the energy flow and the platform begins to crack. When the others realize his strength won't last, Lumine can be seen flinching before looking at Xiao with a concerned expression. As Xiao makes up his mind, he takes one final look into Lumine's direction before teleporting the group to safety, with him staying behind.

In the end, Xiao is saved and brought to safety by Zhongli. When Lumine sees Xiao was saved, she runs over to check on him. The group recollects themselves on the surface and bid each other farewell, but Xiao seems to be waiting for Lumine. After everyone else has left, he tells her there is somewhere he'd like to go and that she can join him.

They meet at Pervases' Temple where Xiao opens up to Lumine; he tells her that dying in the act of sacrifice maybe wouldn't have been tragic, but Lumine implies he knows that isn't true. Xiao is indeed aware of that, so he figures that this mindset must be a form of his own insanity. Paimon and Lumine explain what Ushi said to them and tell him that even with his condition, he should spend time with people who make him happy. Lumine tells Xiao that there will always be someone willing to be by his side. Xiao then tells her about the Yakshas and the memories left behind by Bosacius. He tells Lumine that he's already said too much, but feels that he doesn't need to hold back as much when talking to her. He looks back on how many Yakshas and mortal soldiers have given their life in times of war, but Lumine reassures him that they're all heroes. Xiao says with a smile that he likes that word.

He explains that there's good in the world despite all the disaster and that even the darkest hearts have room for those they cherish. He accepts Lumine's words and tells her that from now on, heroes will always look out for each other.

Lantern Rite (2021)
At the start of the Lantern Rite event of Version 1.3, Verr Goldet requests Lumine to convince Xiao to partake in the festival. She says that she herself is not close to Xiao, but Lumine seems to have grown familiar to him. Lumine does not feel optimistic considering Xiao’s mood and Paimon suggest leaving him alone for a few days.

At the docks, Lumine and Paimon notice a suspicious person sulking about and just as they are about to give chase they run into Xiao. He says that he sensed a malign influence and was there to investigate. They notice a symbol left behind by the suspicious person and Xiao leaves the investigation to the two of them stating that if he became involved there was a possibility that the streets of Liyue “would be painted red”. With the information from Kaaya’s contact, Lumine and Paimon interrogate the Treasure Hoarders’ organization in Liyue about the anonymous letter they received. On questioning how they know about the letter, Xiao suddenly appears and tells the treasure hoarders to direct their questions to him. Not believing that Xiao to be an adeptus, they draw their weapons. On defeating them, the treasure hoarders readily give up the letter whose contents reveal a plan to burn the city to the ground. Xiao entrusts Lumine and Paimon to meet up with the suspicious person. Before he leaves, Lumine asks Xiao to meet at a place with a view of the Mingxiao Lantern. Xiao is not partial to crowded areas and tells them to come to Wangshu Inn when the issue is resolved.

After wrapping up the matter, the pair head to Wangshu Inn to report back to Xiao. Lumine tries to persuade Xiao to see the Mingxiao Lantern, but he refuses, stating that he has no interest in the Lantern Rite. Lumine and Paimon talk it over with Verr Goldet and Huai’an who jokes that it would be much easier to bring the festival to Xiao instead. Lumine remarks that this a good idea and Paimon suggest setting up a food stall with Xiao Lanterns at Wangshu Inn to bring the festival to him.

Lumine and Paimon help Huai’an set up a stall with Almond Tofu and Grilled Tiger Fish on the menu. After setting up, Lumine goes to fetch Xiao and invite him to participate in the Lantern Rite again. He says that they had the talk about crowded places already and tells her to go alone. Lumine explains that she didn’t mean for him to come to Liyue Harbor, and they had brought the festival to him. Seeing the miniature Lantern Rite festival prepared for him Xiao asks if it served any grander purpose to which Lumine replies that Lantern Rite is meant to include everyone.

Once they finish eating, Lumine once again asks Xiao to come with them to Liyue Harbor. He refuses again and she requests him to at least escort them till the outskirts of the city, to which Xiao agrees. On arriving near Liyue Harbor, Xiao tells them to see themselves into the city. Lumine realizes he can still see the Mingxiao Lantern from where they are. Before Lumine and Paimon leave, Xiao tells them to stay vigilant and speak his name should they find themselves in any trouble. When Lumine asks him if he’d make it into the city in time, Xiao says that he will, “anywhere, anytime”. When the Mingxiao Lantern is released, even Xiao finds himself entranced and smiles at the sight from a distance.

Moonlight Merriment
In the Version 2.1 event, "Moonlight Merriment", Lumine and Paimon along with Xiangling and Keqing visit Wangshu Inn during their search for information abut the Stove God. There, Smiley Yanxiao requests Lumine to make him a Satisfying Salad. He explains that he heard from Verr Goldet that she had made it for Xiao once and it went well wants so he wanted to learn to make it so Xiao would eat something else besides his usual Almond Tofu.

In the second part of the quest, Xiangling is looking for someone with mild tastes to test her dish, so Lumine suggests calling for Xiao. Paimon yells his name twice but he does not appear. Paimon is confused but she realizes that Xiao had actually made the promise to come when he is called only to Lumine. Sure enough, when Lumine calls for him saying “Xiao, you there?”, he appears before them immediately. Lumine says that she didn’t think it would actually work but Xiao replies that when he promises her something he will honor it. Lumine requests that he helps Xiangling and Xiao agrees, saying, “Since it’s you… I will do it.” After giving Xiangling feedback on her dish, Lumine thanks him and he leaves.

April 17th 2020
In the caption of the official birthday post, Xiao mentions how Lumine is the first one to celebrate Xiao's birthday in a thousand years. Xiao invites her to a bowl of almond tofu.

April 17th 2021
Birthday Letter His letter has 10 crystalflies and his specialty version of almond tofu attached to it. "There was nothing for me to do today. So, I decided I would find a Crystalfly for you — to put in your hair. I thought that... it would look nice. The next thing I knew, I had caught several more than I intended. I hope you do not mind. If you wish to meet me, speak my name. ...I do not care much for birthdays and celebrations, and I do not wish to be around large groups of people. To be able to spend some time with you is enough."

Birthday Post In the official birthday post, the caption describes how Lumine takes Xiao to a vantage point to view scenery together. When asked why he doesn't use his adepti powers to scale the mountains, he says a trip together will create more memories.

Teyvat Food Notes Furthermore, Mihoyo released blog posts which describe how Xiao's birthday was spent. Lumine, thinking about what to get Xiao for his birthday, wanted to give him something other than Almond Tofu because she didn't want to be like everyone else. So, she decided on making him the Mint Jelly she tasted during Windblume Festival as Xiao's birthday present. Meeting up with Xiao, Lumine was handed the Crystalfly mentioned in Xiao's letter, but she didn't think that it was suitable to wear in her hair.

The two then walked through Liyue together, Lumine collecting ingredients for the jelly along the way. In the afternoon, the two return to Wangshu Inn where Lumine borrowed the kitchen to make the dish, Xiao offering to help out. When they finished making the 'slimes', Xiao didn't want to eat it, wanting to order Almond Tofu instead. He tells Lumine that he isn't bothered about the taste, but that he wanted to collect it, resulting in Lumine telling him how he couldn't because it will expire. After eating the jelly and commenting on the taste, Xiao then explains why he likes Almond Tofu - the dish reminds him of certain memories. The blog ends with Xiao stating how the jelly they made together is now also a "special memory" as he thanks Lumine.

April 17th 2022
Birthday Letter His letter has 5 starconches and his specialty version of almond tofu attached to it. "Today, I walked alone on the beaches of Guyun Stone Forest and picked up several Starconches along the way. I heard that they contain secrets and can be used to send messages. But when I put them to my ear, I heard no voice, just the hollow sound of the wind. No matter. The wrath of evil spirits, omens of calamity... and your voice. That's all I need to hear. When you're free, come talk to me about what you've heard from the Starconches."

Birthday Post The caption of the official birthday post describes how Xiao removes a gingko leaf from Lumine's clothes. Lumine wants to keep the leaf.

Teyvat Food Notes In the blog post for 2022, Lumine describes what she hears in the starconches like Xiao had asked. She thinks about the fact that Xiao works all day to protect Liyue, so he doesn't know anything about the other side of the sea. She knows he probably won't agree to travel outside of Liyue, so Lumine decides to simply tell him stories about her adventures and make him dishes from overseas in hopes it will make Xiao feel like he's traveling with her.

Lumine makes Unagi Chazuke for him, an Inazuman dish. Xiao reminded her beforehand that he won't eat it if it doesn't taste good, but he actually eats up the whole dish. He calls it convenient since it's not too hot and can be eaten quickly which startles Lumine since she didn't think he'd like it. Xiao apologizes for not being able to think of proper words to compliment it, but Lumine thinks Xiao eating all of it is already the greatest compliment.

Fanon
It is one of the most popular ships for Lumine and Xiao, rivaling that of ChiLumi and Xiaother.

The ship first gained traction after the Liyue Archon Quest, especially once "Act 3: A New Star Approaches" was released which contained the cutscene of Xiao saving Lumine falling from the Jade chamber. Followed by the Lantern Rite event in 2021 and Xiao's story quest, the ship has had a steady fandom ever since. Over time more and more content between the two like events, the teapot system and promotional stuff like the birthday letters were released, leading to an increase in popularity.

Especially after the 2.7 version update containing the "Perilous Trail" Archon Quest, a spike of fan content could be seen on social media.

XiaoLumi has one of the longest standing histories and dynamics between the protagonist and any playable character. Their relationship has also developed over time and they have evidently grown closer, with Xiao slowly opening up to Lumine and showing his care by offering her protection.

Fans enjoy this development and see a lot of potential in it, appreciating how Lumine not only gets Xiao to open up to her, but also become more recipient to interacting with other cast members after they become friends.

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Trivia

 * The background soundtrack that plays when Lumine first meets Xiao at Wangshu Inn is titled Lovers’ Oath.
 * Interestingly enough, the soundtrack's Chinese title is — “蒲苇如丝”, which means «The love between two people will last forever».
 * In the Version 2.2 event "Tuned to the World's Sounds", the player performs "Lovers' Oath" together with Xiao in a duet. Additionally, the place where they perform is the balcony on Wangshu Inn where they first met.
 * This soundtrack is not used anywhere else in the game.
 * In «Collected Miscellany - “Xiao: Conqueror of Demons”», Dainsleif states the following: "Will Xiao be ravaged by the unending war he wages and be plunged into despair? Or will he meet someone who understands his sacrifice and can shine a ray of light into his dark world?". That "someone" is commonly speculated to be Lumine given the connotations of her presence bringing light to Xiao and her desire to help him.
 * In Xiao's story quest, Pervases notes that he senses Xiao's aura and karma upon Lumine, indicating that she does not get affected by Xiao's heavy karma.
 * In Xiao's companion dialogue, Xiao mentions that his karma feeling it's easier to bear since he met Lumine.
 * In Xiao's companion dialogue, Xiao suggests Lumine to go to Liyue harbor together.
 * Xiao explicitly states that he wishes to do so in order to better understand Lumine's feelings, despite his distaste of crowds.
 * Xiao's namecard, in the form of an allegory, speaks of Xiao's desire to become free. Perhaps Lumine is the only one who can help Xiao and free him from his karma, in the same way that she cleansed Dvalin's tears of filth.
 * Xiao's namecard: «He longs for a day to come when he will wear the mask and dance — not to conquer demons, but to the tune of that flute amid a sea of flowers».
 * Xiao gives Lumine a butterfly amulet on her birthday. In Chinese culture, a butterfly represents young love and symbolizes an undying bond between lovers, as well as immortality. Xiao also states that the amulet is made to stave off evil.
 * One of the most well known love stories in China is the "Butterfly Lovers", which narrates the story of two people that weren't allowed to get married and turned into a butterfly couple after death.
 * Xiao's signature weapon is the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear. In Version 1.3, the "Primordial Jade Cutter" was released along with the sword of the Primordial Jade weapon series. Since Lumine is a sword user, fans enjoy the concept of them having matching weapons.
 * These two are also the only weapons of that series so far.
 * In the Version 2.6/2.7 event, "Spices from the West", the player can gift Xiao dishes to taste test. When he is enjoying a dish, Xiao asks Lumine why she is staring at him.
 * In Xiao's companion dialogue for "Cottage Kitchen", Xiao asks Lumine if she can make him his favorite food.
 * This could be a reference to his specialty dish, "Sweet Dream", being originally made by her.
 * In the Chinese fan live stream on June 18 2022, an animated XiaoLumi video made by Meadow was shown.
 * kinsen (Xiao's CN voice actor) and Yanning (Lumine's CN voice actor) have voiced a fan-made XiaoLumi animation where the two cooked Almond Tofu together.
 * Laila Berzins (Xiao's EN Voice Actor) made two short videos in which Xiao tells the Traveler that he loves her. (first; second)
 * Sim Kyu Hyuk (Xiao's KR Voice Actor) chose Lumine as his traveler because he wanted to make Xiao and Lumine get married. (Said in 2022 Gstar Busan Game Festival)
 * Matsuoka Yoshitsugu (Xiao's JP Voice Actor) said in Teyvat Radio 29 (@ 50:30 ~ 51:12) "Eventually... I want Xiao to shout for the Traveler. With the distance between Xiao and the Traveler, he just tells them things like 'be careful' when he saves them in a pinch, right? There may be a day where Xiao shouts as if he doesn't want to lose the Traveler's existence." (Translation Source)