Fu Hua & Lixue

Fu Hua & Lixue is the family ship between Fu Hua and Cheng Lixue from the Honkai fandom.

History
When Lixue was 5, her parents were killed and she was taken in by Fu Hua on Mount Taixuan. Lixue was shy around her, though Fu Hua felt like family to her. Fu Hua taught Lixue reading, writing, and martial arts. Lixue wanted to make her proud and see her smile. They hardly saw each other, because Fu Hua was busy, but she never failed to make Lixue wonton noodles every month. Lixue realized that she always called Fu Hua by her name, and wanted to show that she's the most important person in her life. Lixue asked if she could call her master. Fu Hua smiled at her for the first time, and accepted. Lixue realized later that there was a hidden sorrow behind her eyes, because unbeknownst to her, this had reminded Fu Hua of the disciples who betrayed her 500 years ago. Fu Hua left the next day, and they didn't meet again until Lixue had become a Schicksal Valkyrie.

On one of Lixue's birthdays, she makes herself wonton noodles and makes a second bowl out of habit. However, Fu Hua has long abandoned her at this point, so Lixue eats alone, unable to shake the feeling that something is missing.

Second Eruption
Fu Hua visits Lixue's Valkyrie Residence as she's playing the zither. Lixue greets her, though Fu Hua is silently gazing at a painting of Nuwa and Fuxi. Lixue offers to make her tea, though Fu Hua turns her down. She notes that Lixue's tunes were filled with worry and anxiety, and assures her that everything will be alright. Fu Hua leaves, reciting a poem.

Lixue is designated to lead the battle against Agata, the Prince of Haste, and hopes to make Fu Hua proud with her victory. However, Lixue could not properly conduct the Blade Mantra her master taught her for the Taixuan Thrust move, because of the sorrow and self-doubt caused by her master leaving her. Agata shatters her Water's Edge and slices an attack through her. Lixue fights back with the Stance of Six Fists her master taught her. Fu Hua arrives to take down the Pseudo-Herrscher, then tends to Lixue's wounds.

The next day, Otto, Fu Hua, and Lixue battle Sirin, planning on trapping Sirin in a dream world with Fenghuang Down while Otto investigates Sirin's powers and makes contact with the Will of Honkai. Sirin wakes up, forcing Fu Hua to sacrifice her memories to use the Edge of Taixuan. Following the attack, Fu Hua doesn't remember who Lixue is, but knows that she is important and that she must leave for her safety. Lixue, however, is resolved to protect her master. Knowing now how deeply Fu Hua cares for her, Lixue's mind is finally clear and ready to perform the Taixuan Thrust. She dies battling Sirin while Otto and Fu Hua flee.

After the war, Fu Hua visits Mount Taixuan, seemingly reminiscing about the girl she can't remember anymore. Otto remarks that Fu Hua has no where else to go.

Main Story
When the Herrscher of Sentience comes to life in Fu Hua's body, she inherits her memories and believes herself to be Fu Hua. Her Ego antagonizes Otto by bringing up his past atrocities and mentions Lixue: "He even took ☐☐☐☐☐ ☐☐☐☐☐ from you! He thought you forgot about her... except you didn't!" This suggests that Fu Hua may have lingering feelings of resentment towards Otto for indirectly causing Lixue's death.

In Shattered Samsara, Lixue's death is shown as Fu Hua talks about her regrets, saying, "Those that trusted me were harmed by me."

Fanon
There is not much content for Fu Hua & Lixue, though it is generally accepted that Lixue is Fu Hua's adopted daughter. She is a popular fan child for works with Fu Hua ships, especially Sentihua, since Senti has Fu Hua's memories and is likely to share her motherly instinct towards Lixue. Other canon compliant fics deal with Fu Hua's grief and regrets for not showing her care for Lixue more.

In the Eastern side of the fandom, the ship is fairly popular as a romantic ship, likely due to the popularity of the master/disciple trope.

The next installment of the Honkai series, Honkai: Star Rail, has brought hope to some fans for Fu Hua & Lixue to appear together again. With the world of Star Rail having a Fu Hua counterpart, the Marshal of the Cloud Knights, fans hope that a Lixue counterpart also exists as Marshal Hua's adoptive daughter and disciple, and that this time they will have a happier outcome.

Fandom
FAN FICTION

Trivia

 * Cheng Lixue's name (程立雪) is likely based on the chengyu "程门立雪", which means deep reverence for one's master. The idiom comes from the story of two men wanting to become disciples of philosopher Cheng Yi, and standing by his door for hours in the snow. This can be compared to Lixue's own devotion to Fu Hua, and how she waited years for her master to return.