PATCH 5.X

♡ Lumine ● Voice-Over

During her visit to Natlan, Lumine and Paimon discuss Natlan’s body painting practices. As the conversation goes on, Lumine reveals her interest in arm tattoos, much like the one Xiao bears. Whether this is an interest Lumine has always had or a preference she developed because of Xiao is unknown, but regardless of the origin Lumine seems to like his “tattoo” a lot.

Paimon: What are you talking about!? Paimon never said anything about using them all at once! She just wants options, so she can switch up her style every day!

Lumine: ...Oh. That’s too bad... I woulda loved to see Paimon with an elaborate arm-tattoo...

Paimon: Stop! Nope! Stop it! No imagining Paimon with an arm-tattoo! Not allowed!
(Profile Voice-Over) 

♡ Lantern Rite - Springtime Charms

Liyue’s safety is threatened during Lantern Rite, and as the Qixing prepare a plan to counter the incoming danger, the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor disappears. The task of locating her then falls upon Lumine who has been to the Border before and therefore has some familiarity with it. Even so, Lumine’s knowledge is limited and she doesn’t know how to actually reach the Border, but there is someone she can ever rely on.

Xiao initially declines to help because this mission could prove perilous. He knows Lumine is strong, skilled and experienced, but his heart would not let him place her in any danger. He simply cannot bear the thought of Lumine being hurt.

Paimon: Xiao! You're already here.

Xiao: ...It's you two? Where's Yelan?

Lumine: There's been a change of plan.

Xiao: Do you have any idea how dangerous this mission is?

Xiao: The border between life and death is a treacherous place at the best of times, and the recent disturbances will only make it more so. You will face great peril at every step of the way.

(Lantern Rite 5.3)

And though Xiao, in general, doesn’t like to put other people in danger, his care and worry for Lumine is so great that he would go as far as exchanging someone else’s life for hers. If he cannot protect Lumine, he would rather have someone else go in her stead.

Xiao: ...Please, go back and tell them to send Yelan instead.

Paimon: What!? Are we not good enough?

Xiao: I would feel more comfortable sending Yelan. She is privy to a secret art practiced by her clan, plus, she has extensive experience in battle. If anything was to happen to Lumine...

Paimon: Ohh, so you're just worried for her safety.

Xiao: I fear the bad karma I carry would only disturb the border further. So, while I can show you to the entrance... I cannot venture inside with you.

(Lantern Rite 5.3)

In the end, Xiao follows the new plan because although he disagrees with it, he respects Lumine and the choices she makes. He would never go against her wishes, and he does trust her strength and experience.

Once they arrive at Wuwang Hill, Xiao uses his Adeptal perception to sense the presence of fetor which he traces back to the entrance of the Border. Unfortunately, that’s as far as he can go. But he would not simply let Lumine enter the Border unprepared. He shares his power with her and places a Witness Sigil upon her to aid in her quest. Even when he cannot be by Lumine’s side, he always thinks of ways to help her.

Xiao: This is the place.

Xiao: As I said earlier, this is as far as I can accompany you, or I risk doing more harm than good. You'll be on your own from here.

Lumine: Don't worry. We'll be okay.

Xiao: Hmm... Lean your head in for a second.

Xiao: Kavirudhaka! Huh!

Paimon: Huh? What did you do?

Xiao: I placed a Witness Sigil on your forehead so you can share my powers of perception. Now you'll be able to see the fetor. There's no knowing what things are like in there, but hopefully this will help.

Xiao: When you find them, call my name. I will open a passage and pull you out.

Paimon: Thanks Xiao, you've thought of everything! Back in a jiffy!

Xiao: Be extremely careful.

(Lantern Rite 5.3)

In the end the mission is completed successfully and without much trouble. Two days later, Lumine visits Xiao to see if everything is alright. The first thing he does is, of course, to ask about Lumine’s wellbeing.

Xiao: Hmm? Lumine, Paimon. How are you feeling after your trip to the border?

Paimon: We're feeling great, thanks! We just heard you were taking part in this Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method, so we came to see if there were any issues.

Lumine: About the Gate of Terrain...

Xiao: No need to worry. Though the Gate of Terrain symbolizes fire and volatility, it also stands for light, growth, and prosperity. For that reason, it is seen as a somewhat auspicious gate.

(Lantern Rite 5.3)

Following the events of Lantern Rite, when Xiao meets Yelan again, he reprimands her for letting Lumine enter the Border alone. Though in the end he lets the matter go since Lumine is safe.

Xiao: You should have gone with Lumine into the Border that day.

Yelan: I get that you care about Lumine's wellbeing. But the fact is, it wouldn't have helped. I'd have just been an extra liability if something went wrong.

Yelan: Besides, Ningguang changed the plan and sent me to The Chasm instead. I can't be in two places at once.

Yelan: If you're not happy about it, why don't you file a complaint at Yujing Terrace?

Xiao: Hmph... and report the Tianquan to the Tianquan?

Yelan: Actually, I was thinking the Yuheng. She's not afraid of a confrontation.

Xiao: ...Forget it. I'll let it go since everyone's fine.

(Lantern Rite 5.3)

Sometime later, Lumine visits Xiao at Wangshu Inn to gift him a Custom Gift Envelope, lovingly prepared for him. Yet still his priority is to check on Lumine’s wellbeing and gently reprimand her for putting herself into danger. Having shared his power with her, he could sense her actions through the Witness Sigil.

Xiao: You're here.

Lumine: Xiao, this gift envelope is for you.

Xiao: ...Thank you.

Xiao: Your breathing is steady, and your footsteps are light — looks like you made a full recovery.

Xiao: Still, your actions were too reckless. You should reflect on your lack of regard for your safety…

Xiao: I wasn't there in the moment, but through the witness sigil, I was able to sense your actions.

(Lantern Rite 5.3)

Lumine tries to reassure him, and in the end Xiao is just glad and relieved that she is safe and unharmed. Even so, he reminds her one more time to call his name should she encounter any kind of trouble.

Xiao: In any case, I'm glad you were unharmed.

Xiao: ...Now, I can put my worries to rest.

Xiao: Monsters driven mad by fetor could still attack, so I should patrol the area.

Xiao: If you run into trouble...

Lumine: I'll call your name.

Xiao: Alright, take care.

(Lantern Rite 5.3)

♡ Lantern Rite Arrives, Old Friends Reunite 

During Lantern Rite Lumine receives a message from Xiao. It is not clear when this happens exactly, nor is it clear what form this message takes, but it could be a Gift Envelope. In it, Xiao wishes Lumine to have a happy Lantern Rite and to enjoy herself because he will be protecting her from all evil.

♡ Xiao Birthday 2025  

On his birthday, Xiao once more sends a letter to Lumine. The letter reveals just how much attention he pays to her and every detail about her. He has observed Lumine so carefully that he is able to recognize the marks of her swordsmanship. 

I was purging evil spirits from Dihua Marsh today. I didn't expect to see marks of your swordsmanship left behind on the boulders...

Of course, I harbor no doubts about your martial ability, but if you rely solely on your skills and keep throwing yourself into harm's way, none can guarantee your safe return every time. There are still many people in this world who care about you...

On second thought, persuasion isn't my forte. Just take this instead. It's a turquoise I infused with adeptal energies. I trust it will keep you safe. 

(Xiao Birthday Mail 2025)

This also suggests that Lumine had been in Dihua Marsh earlier, likely defeating monsters and evil spirits to lessen the work and the burden of Xiao’s duty. After all, this is his birthday. He should be spending his time relaxing and enjoying himself. Whether Xiao realized what Lumine did is not clear. What he does know is that Lumine put herself in harm’s way, which worries him. Xiao acknowledges her skills, sure, but he continues to be concerned about her safety. 

He knows he can’t persuade her, however, because Lumine has always been the kind of person who helps and protects others, the kind of person who will not back down in the face of danger. So instead of trying to convince her otherwise, Xiao seeks ways to help her even when, or especially when, he cannot be by her side. He gifts her a Vayuda Turquoise Chunk infused with his Adeptal power that she can use to protect herself in battle.

Later that day, Lumine calls Xiao’s name to celebrate his birthday. Xiao agrees and gifts her a butterfly made of leaves, similar to the wutong butterfly he once made as a gift for her birthday.

You called out my name... just to celebrate my birthday? Hm… very well. I'll indulge you this time. Let's celebrate together.
(Xiao Birthday Shorts 2025)

So they spend the day celebrating together, and at night they visit Chenyu Vale. They step upon a bamboo raft together, lying down side by side as the raft slowly floats down the Bishui River. It’s just the two of them, alone, watching the stars and listening to the soft wind. A romantic moonlit rendezvous.

Resting on this boat together with you, listening to the sound of the wind rustling through the lotus leaves... It calms my spirit.

So this is what mortals mean when they say to "kick back and relax." Hmm.

It's a strange feeling... But having you here makes it feel less strange.

(Xiao Birthday Post 2025)

Xiao is able to relax and find peace, something that he rarely gets the opportunity to do, something that he finds quite strange due to his constant state of hypervigilance. But when Lumine is with him, everything feels right.

The birthday illustration shows two butterflies flying out of Xiao’s hand which symbolize The Butterfly Lovers.