ZhongXiao

ZhongXiao is the slash ship between Zhongli and Xiao from the Genshin Impact fandom.

Canon
Both Xiao and Zhongli have been around ever since before the Archon War, making them more than two-thousand and six-thousand years old respectively. One day Xiao encountered Morax (Zhongli), the Geo Archon on the battle field during the Archon War. Before their meeting, another god had enslaved Xiao. As well during that time, Xiao wasn't his true name. The god had forcefully made Xiao slaughter in cruel ways until he was finally freed by Morax. With the help of Morax he was finally given his current name, Xiao.

In order to show his gratitude to the god who freed him, Xiao shouldered the burden of protecting Liyue during the following years, up until present. As an adeptus he protects the people of Liyue from danger and continues to serve Zhongli.

During the 'death' of Rex Lapis, Xiao is dismissive of the news when he hears it from the traveller, mentioning that though times have now changed, he never thought of a Liyue without Rex Lapis. Afterwards, Xiao goes and informs the other adepti about the death of the Archon, carrying out his duties.

It is implied that Xiao knows of Rex Lapis' mortal form with evidence from his voiceline "About Zhongli", referring to Zhongli as 'Zhongli-daren' and 'Zhongli-sama' in the Chinese voice and Japanese dub respectively.

In a voice line Zhongli asks the Traveler to give Xiao medicine to help with his karmic debt, showing that he cares for Xiao's wellbeing.

Quotes
"Can I ask... Zhongli — what does he do with his days? Huh? Birds, antiques, flowers... Hmm... What deeper meaning do they hold?"

- Xiao about Zhongli

"In the fables of another world, the name Xiao is that of a spirit who encountered great suffering and hardship. He endured much suffering, as you have. Use this name from now on"

- Rex Lapis words to Xiao during their first encounter "You speak of the young adeptus of Guili Plains... *sigh* Still fulfilling his duty to this very day. Please give these Remedium Tertiorum to him on my behalf. Oh—and be sure to not let Paimon eat them. Nothing of this world can withstand the power of this medicine."

- Zhongli about Xiao

Fanon
It's one of the most popular ships in the Genshin Impact fandom not counting fan written works. This ship is more seen as a father and son relationship by fans of this ship. Meanwhile, other fans might see this as a romantic pair. The pair can mainly be seen together in poly fan art that includes Ganyu and Qiqi too. It currently has 500+ fan written works on Archive of Our Own.

Fandom
FAN FICTION