Xiao

Biodata

Background / History

Before Lantern Rite, Xiao encountered Venti while patrolling Dihua Marsh. The bard’s music eased his mind, prompting him to stop and listen longer. Xiao recognized Venti’s true identity; the narration also identifies Venti as the Anemo Archon who had saved him 63.

Xiao had previously experienced an uncomfortable gathering at which Hu Tao asked the Emperor to bow to him. He remembers this incident when another dinner places him between Zhongli and Venti 65.

Appearance

• Height: Approximately 1.5 metres; the narration calls him the “one-and-a-half-meter-tall Adeptus” 65.

Personality

Xiao tries to remain inconspicuous when Zhongli and Venti are present. Knowing both gods’ identities makes him visibly nervous: he hesitates over how to describe Venti and answers haltingly when the bard draws everyone’s attention to him 62 63.

He is uncomfortable being asked to comment on Zhongli’s identity. When Hu Tao suggests that Zhongli might be an Adeptus in disguise, Xiao retreats behind a modest explanation that he specializes only in subduing demons. Watching the incident replayed, he wonders why he keeps ending up at such gatherings and can barely bear to watch 65.

Abilities & Skills

Demon Subjugation

• Xiao identifies subduing demons as his specialty. The supplied scenes do not demonstrate his combat techniques or establish a ranked power level 65.

Recognition of Divine Identities

• Recognizes Zhongli as the Emperor and Venti as the Anemo Archon, despite their ordinary introductions at the dinner 62 63 65.
• Preserves Venti’s cover by referring to him as a bard when recounting their encounter in Dihua Marsh 63.

Relationships

• Venti — The Anemo Archon who saved him. Venti’s music soothes Xiao, but his invitation to publicly acknowledge their acquaintance makes Xiao nervous 63.
• Zhongli — Xiao knows him as the Emperor and treats his standing seriously. Upon Venti’s arrival, Xiao assumes Zhongli is the only person present qualified to receive him 62 65.
• Hu Tao — Her questions and invitations repeatedly put Xiao in awkward situations, including asking the Emperor to bow to him and asking Xiao to assess whether Zhongli could be an Adeptus 65.

Story Role / Major Arcs

“Two Old Fogeys Singing Each Other’s Praises”

• Xiao appears among the dinner guests alongside Zhongli, Venti, Su Yun, Paimon, Hu Tao, Xingqiu, and Chongyun 61.
• While Zhongli and Venti maintain their cover stories and exchange polished compliments, Xiao struggles to participate without exposing their identities 63 65.
• The scene’s closing narration singles him out as the table’s “only one honest soul.” His apparent seniority contrasts with his humility and discomfort around the two gods 65.

Notable Quotes

“His music was... melodious and soothing. It eased my mind, and I... couldn’t help listening for a while longer.” 63

“I... I’m sorry. I only specialize in subduing demons. My learning is shallow, and I’ve never heard of such a thing.” 65