PATCH 3.X

♡ Lantern Rite - The Exquisite Night Chimes

In the following Lantern Rite, Lumine embarks on a quest to find a mysterious Adeptus who once saved a man from drowning with music. After failing to find any clues, Paimon suggests having Lumine pretend to drown in hopes that it might attract the enigmatic Adeptus. Lumine thinks it’s a bad idea, but Paimon insists so eventually Lumine jumps into the waters of Mt.Aocang while her companion shouts for help. 

Suddenly, someone scoops Lumine out of the water, which turns out to be none other than Xiao, carrying her to safety. At this point in time Xiao knows Lumine is strong and capable, but he doesn’t question the situation. He simply rushes to her rescue, once again displaying how much he cares about her. It is only after he ensures Lumine’s safety, that he starts asking questions.

Xiao: What is going on?

Lumine: ...

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

At first Lumine, Paimon and Ganyu feel awkward about the situation and none of them talk. This worries Xiao. The task eventually falls upon Paimon to explain the situation and Lumine apologizes for the trouble.

Lumine: I'm fine.

Lumine: Sorry for troubling you both.

(Lantern Rite 3.4) 

Xiao is relieved to know Lumine is okay. He turns to leave, possibly because he doesn’t wish to intervene or get involved in the affairs of others, but before leaving he gently reprimands her. Although he does not say it directly, it is clear that Xiao was really worried about her and doesn’t want something like this to happen again.

Xiao: Glad you're okay.

Lumine: You're leaving already?

Xiao: As far as I know, the one you seek is no yaksha. And one last thing...

Xiao: ...this approach is too worrying, don’t try it again next time.

(Lantern Rite 3.4) 

The next day Lumine meets Xiao at Hu Tao’s dinner. The latter has invited the yaksha as a special guest. Xiao of the past would have never agreed to this because of the danger of the karma he carries, but also because of his fear of social situations. This time, however, he is trying to follow Lumine’s advice of accepting company and it is later revealed that he knew Lumine would be present, which is probably the main reason he ultimately accepted the invitation.

Hu Tao proceeds to have Xiao seated next to Lumine, because one way or another she already knows about their bond. Hu Tao is very perceptive and likely thinks Lumine’s presence will help Xiao feel at ease.

Hu Tao: I heard that the Conqueror of Demons and Lumine are pretty close, no?

Lumine: We're old friends.

Hu Tao: Great! You two sit together!

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

After introductions and the exchange of pleasantries, Lumine is curious to know how Hu Tao managed to convince Xiao to attend this gathering. After all, he doesn’t like entering the city. Little does Lumine know that she is the main reason he accepted the invitation. Her advice and her presence.

Paimon: Huh. Sounds kinda self-important, but Paimon thinks it's pretty amazing that she managed to talk Xiao into coming... He rarely ever enters Liyue Harbor, after all.

Lumine: I'm curious about how she did it.

Xiao: It wasn't as complicated as you think.

Chongyun: Did the Conqueror of Demons agree to come so that Hu Tao would stop pestering him...

Zhongli: There might be other reasons.

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

Although it still took some effort to convince Xiao to attend, due to his justified worries. Something Lumine understands very well.

Hu Tao: But despite our deep-rooted connection, it still took me quite a while to actually convince him.

Lumine: Was he worried about his karma?

Hu Tao: You know him pretty well, huh?

Xiao: This matter is out of my control, so I need to be cautious.

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

Soon the banquet begins and everyone has a good time. Everyone except Xiao who is very quiet. Lumine, who is watching over him, gets worried and asks if something troubles him. She is also mindful of Xiao’s aversion to human food so she assures him that he should only eat what he likes.

Xiao: ...

   Lumine: You seem pretty quiet today. Is everything okay?

   Lumine: Not used to being around so many people?

Xiao: I'm doing fine.

Xiao: Not long ago... before Lantern Rite, I met an old friend.

Xiao: Thanks to his help, things have been a lot more stable than before.

   Lumine: That's good to hear. Give everything you don't eat to Paimon.

   Paimon: Right! ...Wait, what?

Lumine: An old friend?

Xiao: You should know him. He's...

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

Xiao mentions an acquaintance, but before he has the chance to finish his sentence, that very same acquaintance unexpectedly shows up at the dinner. Lumine wonders how Xiao and Venti met, as she’s still unaware of their history and that Venti once saved the yaksha. Xiao is more open nowadays so he does not mind sharing his experiences in front of others, especially if Lumine is present.

   Lumine: He's my old pal too.

   Venti: Yeah! Xiao, you remember me too, right? We had a chat not long ago.

   Lumine: Looks like Xiao knows him, too.

Xiao: ...Yes, yes.

Xiao: Monsters become more active than usual as we get closer to Lantern Rite.

Xiao: I was patrolling Dihua Marsh a few days ago when I happened to run into this... this...

Venti: Hm? You've already forgotten? I'm a bard, remember?

Venti: And bards go around singing wherever they like!

Xiao: Oh, right, and this bard was performing in Dihua Marsh.

Xiao: It was a... moving melody, and it made me feel relaxed and at ease. I... couldn't help but stay and listen.

Venti: Hehe, thank you for your patronage!

Lumine: So that's how it was. I see.

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

Later, Hu Tao makes humorous remarks about her impressive consultant who she jests might be an Adeptus in disguise. She seems to suspect Zhongli is no mere mortal so she tries to get information out of the yaksha. Xiao tries his best to avoid Hu Tao but Paimon almost falls for the trap. Lumine tries to help him out of this gnarly situation so she nudges her companion to play along.

Hu Tao: Xiao, you're an Adeptus! Do you think it might be possible?

Xiao: I...

Xiao: ...Sorry, I'm only good at conquering demons. I'm afraid I don't have much knowledge in that matter.

Paimon: Uh, really?

Paimon: But Paimon thinks you're super knowledgeable...

Lumine: (Paimon, play along!)

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

The dinner goes on and Zhongli proposes to raise a glass together, something that worries Xiao. Perhaps he feels unworthy to toast with his lord, to stand next to him as an equal. The rest of the guests like the idea and one by one they stand up to express their wishes. Xiao becomes increasingly nervous, likely because he doesn’t know what to say or what is the proper way to toast. He looks to Lumine for guidance; she is his anchor and source of comfort. 

Lumine understands his discomfort so she acts quickly. He immediately responds to her sudden call, thinking something might have happened, but she simply invites him to go outside for a walk. 

Xiao: Uhhh...

Paimon: Uh, all of a sudden, they started proposing toasts! Should... should we...

Lumine: Xiao!

Xiao: What's with the urgency!?

   Lumine: Are you done eating? Wanna head out for a walk?

   Lumine: I ate too much. Could you come take a walk with me?

Xiao: Sure.
(Lantern Rite 3.4)

And unlike other times, Lumine doesn’t take Paimon with her. She tells Paimon to stay inside, using food as an excuse. Meanwhile, Hu Tao already treats Xiao and Lumine like a pair.

Hu Tao: Have you two finished eating?

Hu Tao: It's always nice to have a breath of fresh air after a meal. Helps with digestion.

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

As soon as they are outside, Xiao asks if Lumine is alright. He is worried about her after the sudden request for a walk. Meanwhile, Lumine is worried about him instead.

Xiao: Are you alright?

Lumine: I should be the one asking you that.

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

Lumine helps Xiao calm his nerves and navigate his thoughts and feelings about this unforeseen turn of events. 

Xiao: ...

Xiao: I... it's hard to describe.

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

What troubles Xiao is not the banquet itself, but that human gatherings are too complicated for him compared to the old gatherings of the Adepti that he was sometimes dragged to. The Adepti were straightforward. Humans are not. And though he does not say it directly, it is obvious the unexpected dinner table he is sharing with his lord Yanwang Dijun as well as the Anemo Archon are making things difficult for Xiao. Lumine has the choice to blame either Zhongli or Venti, which causes Xiao to panic over the misunderstanding.

Lumine:I understand. It's all Zhongli's fault.

Xiao: That's not what I meant!

Xiao: Or perhaps I should say Zhong... Rex Lapis is really good at adapting to human life. You could say that he actually enjoys doing so.

Lumine: I understand. It's all Venti's fault.

Xiao: N—No, I didn't mean that...

Xiao: So you know his true identity. I'll get straight to the point then.

Xiao: The Anemo Archon is a free spirit, and his temperament is as carefree as the music he plays on the flute. It's easy for a god like him to live in harmony with humans…

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

Xiao reveals his worries about his inability to adapt to human life the way Zhongli and Venti can — something that betrays his hidden desire for socialization. Despite having made mental preparations beforehand, Xiao felt lost and uncomfortable throughout the entire banquet. Lumine comforts Xiao, telling him he doesn’t need to be like others. He just needs to be himself. She accepts him the way he is.

Xiao: And that's something I might never be able to do.

Lumine: You don't have to be like them.

Lumine: You do you.

Xiao: Hmm... That does sound like something you would say.

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

And here Xiao admits that he really enjoys his conversations with Lumine, smiling while saying so.

Xiao: Whenever I think of the ordinary conversations I've had with you, it feels... strangely novel.

Lumine: Strange in a good way?

Xiao: Yes.
(Lantern Rite 3.4)

Xiao and Lumine continue chatting as he shares more of his thoughts with her. The way he prepared for the dinner, the fact that he knew Lumine would be present (likely the main reason he agreed to attend) and the memories of his yaksha companions. Lumine is happy to listen.

Xiao: The parlor director went out of her way with the invitation, so it was difficult to turn her down. I had made mental preparations before agreeing to come.

Xiao: She told me that all the guests today would be "acquainted with elemental power," and I knew that you would be here.

Xiao: But I didn't expect the other guests to be...

Lumine: No one would've guessed.

Xiao: General Xinyuan always said that we should live in the present and enjoy every pleasant surprise. Perhaps that's what I should do with what I'm feeling now.

Xiao: ...But I think he meant designing clothes for those around him.

Xiao: The clothes were intricately designed, but inconvenient to wear. Brother Fushe never tried to hide his distaste in front of him.

Xiao: Yanwang Dijun did like his designs and even collected quite a few. The outfit he wears now was also designed by General Xinyuan himself.

Xiao: I never saw him wear this during the war. I didn't expect him to start wearing it later.

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

After a while Xiangling shows up looking for them. Though she feels a bit uneasy at first. She too has come to know the bond between Lumine and Xiao so she doesn’t want to interrupt their private talk.

Xiangling: Oh, here you are!

Xiangling: Um, I'm not intruding, right...

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

Xiangling mentions that she noticed Xiao being restless and was worried that he wanted to return to Wangshu Inn. Lumine responds to this and asks Xiao not to leave. He is confused by this, which indicates that Xiao had no intention of leaving at all.

Xiangling: To be honest, I was kinda worried too.

Xiangling: You looked a little restless just now, and I thought you weren't used to the food here and was planning to head back to Wangshu Inn for something Yanxiao made.

Xiao: You're worrying too much.

Lumine: Xiao, don't pull any Lemniscatic Wind Cyclings on us.

Xiao: ...Why would I.

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

Xiao thinks it’s time to return to the banquet. He doesn’t want to have Lumine worry unnecessarily. Xiangling stops them; she has another reason for wanting to talk to them. She prepared some Almond Tofu especially for Xiao and Lumine. Just for the two of them together.

Xiangling: Here, take these. I brought them for you!

Xiangling: So I made a few servings of Almond Tofu for you guys in advance! Take them as a token of gratitude for your support.

Xiangling: When I told Guoba that I was making these for you, he started eagerly running around the kitchen and helping a lot too!

Lumine: Thank you, Xiangling and Guoba!

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

Xiao is not used to receiving this kind of gratitude. The negative perception he has of himself compels him to apologize for the perceived trouble he caused. Lumine stops him. No words are needed, a single gesture from her is enough to make Xiao understand, and he follows along almost like an obedient husband.

Xiao: Thank you for the trouble, there was no need to...

Lumine: Ahem...

Xiao: ...I'll take them. Thank you... and Guoba too.

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

When Xiao and Lumine return to the dinner table, Paimon is upset at being left behind. It seems that even someone naive like her is starting to take notice of the special bond between Lumine and Xiao.

Paimon: Ugh, you're finally done whispering secrets to each other!?

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

Hu Tao makes up a new tradition on the spot which requires a distinguished guest. When Venti begins pointing at and talking about Zhongli,  Xiao feels a bit lost so he looks to Lumine for help or comfort.

The burden of the distinguished guest is passed around for a while until it falls on Xiao. He is unexpectedly calm, however, and he speaks with ease and conviction when he nominates Lumine instead. To him she is the most qualified to be the distinguished guest. When it comes to Lumine, Xiao is always sure and confident in his thoughts and opinions about her. Lumine is surprised.

Chongyun: Adeptus Xiao has the most seniority among everyone here today. We should...

Xiao: I refuse.

Xiao: I am most certainly not the most distinguished guest here.

Lumine: (Is he going to say it's Zhongli...)

Xiao: You should all be able to make the right judgment based on your observations.

Lumine: (Wait, don't...)

Xiao: One person here is well-acquainted with everyone else.

Lumine: (...Hm?) 
(Lantern Rite 3.4)

When this is over, everyone spends the rest of the evening having a relaxing chat, until it’s time to part ways. The crowd disperses and soon only Xiao, Lumine, Paimon and Zhongli are left.

Things are a little awkward for Xiao, but Zhongli explains there is no need to be formal. He lives as a simple mortal now. In this situation, Zhongli is the one who should address Xiao respectfully. The latter vehemently disagrees. Lumine has the option to tease Xiao, a privilege only she and Zhongli have, or to be considerate and defend him. Regardless of Lumine’s choice, Zhongli is happy to see how close she is to Xiao.

Zhongli: If we were to consider status and seniority, as Zhongli, I should be respectfully referring to you as Adeptus Xiao.

Xiao: Heaven forbid!

   Lumine: Adeptus Xiao!

   Xiao: ...Not you too!

   Lumine: Let's stop teasing him now.

Zhongli: Haha, I meant what I said.

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

Zhongli uses this unique opportunity to tell Xiao something important. He knows he can’t give Xiao direct advice because of their perceived roles as lord and servant, so he disguises his words as a story for Lumine which allows Xiao to let his guard down. 

This way Xiao can think on his own and draw his own conclusions, without Zhongli running the risk of imposing his will on him. Zhongli speaks of the past — events and people will be viewed and interpreted differently by different people. But the reality is that gods and Adepti have always been companions. They were allies bound by contracts led by Morax, but they were also companions. Delivering this message is only possible because of Lumine.

Zhongli: The same truth will sound different coming from different people. As more bear witness to a story, feelings and interpretations expand in variety too.

Zhongli: But there are multiple sides to humans and gods alike.

Zhongli: In the legends recorded by humans, some gods were depicted as arrogant and condescending, while others were kind and capable.

Zhongli: But whether to me, Streetward Rambler, Cloud Retainer, or younger Adepti such as Xiao and Ganyu, those Adepti and gods that may seem extraordinary to humans are something more akin to close companions.

Zhongli: This was as true back then as it is right now.

Zhongli: Just as Xiao may seem unapproachable to most, but Lumine has proved otherwise.

Zhongli: So there's no need to dwell too much on certain things.

Xiao: Dijun— I mean, Zhongli, what you're saying is...

Zhongli: It looks like you understood what I meant.
(Lantern Rite 3.4)

After this Zhongli takes his leave. He knows Xiao has a lot to think about and it’s best to leave him in Lumine’s care. Paimon invites Xiao to walk through the city and it can be assumed Lumine would have done the same.

Paimon: Xiao, is there anything else you wanna do? We could take you on a tour of Liyue Harbor!

Xiao: No need.

Xiao: I've stayed here for much longer than I had expected. The city lights are a fine sight... but it's time for me to leave.

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

Xiao declines. Liyue Harbor is still too much for him and a lot happened this evening, the yaksha needs some time to himself. Before he leaves he thanks Lumine for her help and kindness during this sudden, nerve-wracking situation he found himself in. She responds by saying there is no need for that because the feeling is mutual. He is always kind and helpful to her.

Xiao: The events of today occurred so abruptly. I appreciate your kindness.

Lumine: The feeling's mutual. You don't have to thank me every time.

Xiao: Okay.

Xiao: I'll... see you next time, then.

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

Later that evening Lumine visits Xiao at Wangshu Inn. He invites her to eat Almond Tofu together because there is too much of it, although it may be an excuse to have Lumine stay for a while longer. He tells Lumine he is willing to listen to her stories of the mortal world. He is curious about the human world, but he is especially curious to learn more about Lumine and her adventures.

Xiao: Yanxiao just came up here with some Almond Tofu, but... I haven't finished everything Xiangling gave me yet...

Xiao: You should try some too. I'm not as experienced in tasting mortal food as you, and I couldn't tell the difference.

Xiao: ...There must be many different stories to tell of the hustle and bustle of the mortal world, too. You can tell me. I will listen.
(Lantern Rite 3.4)

They spend the evening together, a private meeting during Lantern Rite on the moonlit terrace of Wangshu Inn. All of these elements carry a romantic subtext.

♡ Lantern Rite Promotional Video: Dream Upon a Lantern

In the Lantern Rite Promotional Video, all currently known characters are seen celebrating Lantern Rite together. Yet out of every character present, Lumine chooses to spend her time with Xiao. They watch the lanterns together from the rooftops at Yujing Terrace.

♡ Iridescence in Papers

During Lantern Rite, Lumine and her friends prepare for a stage performance hosted by the Iridescence Tour. They work together to rehearse, make props and decorate the stage according to each person’s preferences. 

The personal stage of Lumine is modeled after Dihua Marsh, with Wangshu Inn rising high in the background. Both are locations associated with Xiao. And Lumine’s instrument of choice for the performance is the Floral Zither, the same instrument she used for the Lovers' Oath duet she played with Xiao in the past.

While assembling the stage, the following description appears, which is said by Lumine:

“On this marvelous Lantern Rite, we pray that the fallen heroes may be guided home.” Every single wish, no matter how small, is worth seeing to fruition. We will finally reunite with those we long for on a dreamlike night.

Although this may be seen as a common wish to be said during Lantern Rite, which honors the fallen heroes of Liyue, Lumine is the only one among her friends to mention them in her wishes. It is likely that she was thinking of the Yakshas. It has been less than a year since the events of Perilous Trail, so the experience is still rather fresh in her mind. And as the Yakshas are very important to Xiao, she hopes that they can “return home” and find peace. This way, perhaps, Xiao could be reunited with the Yakshas in his dreams.

The last line can also be read as a wish for herself. She may be thinking of her brother, but she may very well be thinking of Xiao as well; a wish to meet with him on the dreamy night of Lantern Rite.

♡ White Day 2023

Over the time they’ve spent together, Xiao becomes more and more interested in learning about Lumine. He enjoys listening to her recount her tales and is thankful that she is willing to share them with him. Lumine would be happy to listen to his own tales, but sadly Xiao doesn’t think his stories are worth sharing, so to return the favor he instead offers her a bag of snacks.

He is relieved to hear Lumine’s journey is going well so far, but he worries about her so the snacks he offers to her are desserts that are said to restore one’s energy. He hopes the snacks can be of use to her, even if he is unsure about Lumine’s food preferences.

Xiao: Thank you for being willing to recount your travels to me. Though there were some close calls, it seems your journey went well. I have no special anecdotes with which to return the favor... Take this bag of snacks instead. They say that this dessert can restore one's energy, though I do not know if it is to your taste. Take it with you. You can eat it later if you wish.
(White Day 2023)

♡ White Day Tradition

White Day is a tradition observed in some East Asian countries, such as Japan and South Korea. It is celebrated annually on March 14, one month after Valentine's Day, as a day for men to reciprocate the gestures of affection they received from women on Valentine's Day.

The tradition began in Japan where Valentine's Day is unique in that women give gifts to men, often in the form of chocolates. On White Day, men are expected to return the favor by giving gifts to women. The gifts given on White Day are typically more elaborate and may include items like jewelry, flowers, or other thoughtful presents.

Although Genshin’s world does not celebrate real-world events, the romantic subtext behind Xiao’s gesture is evident.

♡ Xiao Birthday 2023

Xiao’s birthday arrives again, and unlike previous years, Xiao follows Lumine’s advice to meet up with an old friend. Thanks to her, Xiao is beginning to see that other people are happy to spend time with him despite his circumstances. His visit to Moon Carver ends up in a gathering of the Adepti and Xiao invites Lumine to join because she is, after all, his closest friend. 

He admits to her that in the past he would have refused these gatherings, but he understands now the meaning behind such feasts is to spend time with the people dear to him. Indeed, when Lumine is by his side even the very bitter Qingxin can taste sweet. Xiao’s world is brighter and sweeter when she is around.

I paid a visit to Moon Carver today.

He was immediately alarmed and asked me if something important happened.

...I was simply following your advice and met up with an old friend I haven't seen in a while. As you know, I'm not the sociable type, so it took quite some explaining before I managed to clear his suspicion. 

I wasn't prepared to hear him say that... "Since you're here, why don't we ask Cloud Retainer to host a little get-together?"

In the past, I might've refused. But compared to the reasons for the gathering, the taste of the food, or how the atmosphere feels like... I think of the people by my side as more important. Having you around would make even Qingxin feel like a treat. If you have time, would you like to come join us? (Xiao Birthday Mail 2023)

Lumine visits Xiao on his birthday so they can celebrate together, and she has a surprise prepared for him. It seems that Xiao is not at his usual spot, but instead of calling him Lumine chooses to search for him herself. With some help from Goldet, Lumine finds Xiao resting in a quiet spot. Knowing that he rarely gets to rest so peacefully, she decides to watch over him instead of waking him up. She even uses her umbrella to shield Xiao from the sun. Though it seems like Xiao sensed Lumine’s presence.

Paimon: Based on what Verr Goldet said, it should be this way...

Lumine: That shadow in the bushes... Is that Xiao?

Paimon: Yeah! But it looks like he's sleeping.

Lumine: We rarely see him like this... Let's let him rest for a bit.

Paimon: Speaking of which, we've got a lot planned for today! At Liyue Harbor...

Lumine: Shh— We're keeping this a secret from him.

Xiao: ...
(Recounting Good Times 2023)

The present Lumine has prepared for Xiao appears to be placed in a gift box like the ones found at Mingxing Jewelry. It is highly likely then that Lumine’s gift is a Lucent Crescent. These ornaments are rare and limited in quantity so people say that if one manages to purchase it, they are sure to win the heart of their beloved. This implies that Lumine wishes to win Xiao’s heart.

Xingxi: Have you ever heard anyone mention our Lucent Crescent ornaments? They are especially popular with young people.

Xingxi: We produce a very limited quantity of Lucent Crescent — only ten per month. People say that if you manage to purchase one of them, you are sure to win the heart of your beloved...

Xingxi: Interested? Heh... Whether what they say is true or not I don't know, but I do know that I, personally, would be won over if someone was to buy one for me… (NPC Dialogue)

Xiao is found at his usual spot at Wangshu, enjoying a dish of Almond Tofu. He shares some of his thoughts with Lumine. It seems that he has really opened up to her and doesn’t hold back anymore. And just seeing Lumine in the distance is enough to turn Xiao’s ordinary day into something special. Her presence brightens his day. Xiao invites Lumine to join his patrols, even though in the past he insisted that he would fight alone. Things are different now and Xiao wishes to spend time with her.

The people at Wangshu Inn claim that many tourists come to Dihua Marsh during this season. It might be that they wish to admire the scenery at a time when everything is flourishing.

Even still, I have to stay alert. The monsters will be getting more active as well.

There is nothing out of the ordinary about today, until I saw you in the distance.

With that being so... After finishing this Almond Tofu, would you like to go on patrol with me?

(Xiao Birthday Post 2023)

Presumably, after the patrols Xiao and Lumine return to Wangshu. Here Xiao admits that he has started to enjoy and look forward to his birthday every year because Lumine helped make his birthdays special. In the past he thought celebrations were redundant, likely because of the negative perception Xiao has of himself, but now his birthday is a time when he gets to spend time with Lumine and receive precious treasures in the form of gifts and memories.

After all this time I spent with you, it seems I unwittingly started to look forward to my own birthday too. I'll take good care of your gift.
(Xiao Birthday Shorts 2022)

♡ Baizhu Story Quest - Lagenaria 

Some time after Xiao’s birthday, Lumine helps Baizhu with a dire situation. While they are investigating the matter, they reach a dead end. But just when Baizhu and Changsheng are stuck, Lumine tells them that she has someone to call for help. By now she knows that she can rely on Xiao and he will always answer her summons.

Baizhu: Alright, everybody, calm down. Back to the matter at hand. Is there any way at all for us to seek counsel from the Adepti about this?

Changsheng: Hmph, with how antisocial they are? If it were up to them, they'd go their whole lives without showing their faces to the common folk...

Lumine: Actually...

Lumine: I do have someone that I can call.

(Baizhu Story Quest)

Paimon doesn’t even try to participate this time. She knows well that Xiao will not answer her call. He only listens to Lumine.

Paimon: Oh... If you're talking about who Paimon thinks you're talking about... you'd better do the honors.

(Baizhu Story Quest)

Lumine calls Xiao and he appears immediately as expected.

Lumine: ...Xiao?

Lumine: Xiao, are you there?

(A familiar voice came from the ceiling…)

Xiao: You called?

(Baizhu Story Quest)

It turns out that Xiao and Baizhu have met before, but Xiao doesn’t elaborate like he did with Venti. Perhaps he does not wish for Lumine to know the effects of his karma had aggravated during her absence. Xiao doesn’t want to worry her.

Paimon: Huh? You two already know each other?

Xiao: Our paths have crossed once before.

(Baizhu Story Quest)

Lumine explains the situation to him and Xiao shares the information he has. He doesn’t wish to intervene against mortals and he trusts Lumine’s capabilities so he leaves matters in her hands, but before he leaves Xiao reminds her to call him if she encounters any trouble.

Xiao: I do not like to intervene against mortals unless absolutely necessary.

Xiao: But when demonic forces are involved, things can spiral out of control... If that happens, be sure to call my name again.

Lumine: I will.

Lumine:Thank you, Xiao.

(Baizhu Story Quest)

A while later, Lumine notices Xiao is standing guard on a nearby cliff overlooking the Domain that leads to an underground area where Chi’s blood is leaking. He wants to make sure the monster’s remains do not escape and things don’t escalate. But he is also concerned about Lumine’s safety. He reminds her to be quick. 

Xiao: Hm? From the looks of it, you've already tracked down the location of the source?

Lumine: We've made some progress...

Xiao: Really? That's good to hear.

Lumine: Have you been standing guard here this entire time?

Xiao: ...I cannot simply look the other way when evil spirits are involved.

Xiao: In any case, the evil presence here is growing stronger. I can sense it.

Xiao: ...Whatever you're planning to do, make it quick.

Xiao: If you leave it too long, and I am compelled to intervene... things may not turn out the way you wish.

(Baizhu Story Quest)

♡ Genius Invokation TCG

Xiao is willing to learn how to play games in order to spend time with Lumine, and perhaps to be able to engage in more activities with her than just chatting.

Xiao: I'm not familiar with this game, but with you here, this should be worth the time spent. 

(Friendly Fracas - Stage Introduction)

Xiao: Since we're the only ones here, I guess we can go for a round… 

(Friendly Fracas - Initial Dialogue)

Xiao: Interesting. Perhaps if we both took this a bit more seriously, this game might be more enjoyable still… 

(Serious Showdown - Stage Introduction)

Xiao: If you insist.

(Serious Showdown - Initial Dialogue)

When Xiao is cornered or loses a match, he doesn’t get sad or upset. Instead he praises Lumine’s skills.

Xiao: You made all the right moves.

(Friendly Fracas - Xiao loses the match)

Xiao: Not bad.

(Serious Showdown - Lumine defeats one of his cards)

Xiao: I'm impressed.

(Serious Showdown - Xiao has only one card left )

Xiao: You're quite skilled at this game.

(Serious Showdown - Xiao loses the match)

Xiao is humble and doesn’t celebrate when he corners Lumine or when she loses a match. He is instead worried about her not enjoying the game anymore and insists that they stop playing.

Xiao: I managed to get lucky this time.

(Friendly Fracas - Xiao wins the match)

Xiao: …I hope you're still having fun.

(Serious Showdown - Xiao defeats one of Lumine's cards)

Xiao: That's enough for now.

(Serious Showdown - Xiao wins the match)