Is Xiao a Yaksha or Adeptus? Unraveling the Mystery
The world of Genshin Impact is rich with lore, and one of the most fascinating aspects is the existence of adepti, powerful beings that protect the land of Liyue. Among them, the enigmatic Xiao stands out, often referred to as both a Yaksha and an Adeptus, leading to some confusion. The simple answer to the question “Is Xiao a Yaksha or Adeptus?” is this: Xiao is both. He is a Yaksha, which is a specific type of Adepti.
To fully understand Xiao’s place in the hierarchy of Liyue’s protectors, it’s essential to delve deeper into the characteristics and distinctions of each term.
What is an Adeptus?
The term “Adepti” generally refers to Illuminated Beasts – creatures with supernatural powers and extraordinarily long lifespans. These beings are often associated with the Geo Archon, Rex Lapis (also known as Zhongli), and are considered protectors of Liyue. Adepti can take on various forms, from mythical creatures to human-like appearances, and possess diverse abilities ranging from wielding elemental powers to manipulating the very fabric of nature.
While many adepti are peaceful, living secluded lives, others like Xiao, have played crucial roles in Liyue’s history. Their powers and longevity have allowed them to witness and participate in the shaping of the region.
The Role of the Yaksha
Now, where do the Yaksha fit into this picture? The Yaksha are a specialized group within the larger category of Adepti. They were chosen by Rex Lapis for their immense combat capabilities and their dedication to protecting Liyue from malevolent forces, specifically the remnants of defeated gods from the Archon War. These battles, while necessary, often took a devastating toll on the Yaksha, leading to significant trauma.
The Yakshas were tasked with eliminating demons and purging divine karma, a brutal and thankless duty that left many of them physically and mentally scarred. Of the five original Yakshas, only Xiao remains in modern times, which speaks volumes about the immense burden they carried.
Xiao: The Vigilant Yaksha
Xiao, also known by his true name Alatus, exemplifies the defining traits of both an Adeptus and a Yaksha. He’s a powerful, long-lived being with supernatural abilities, making him an Adepti. But he is also a member of the elite combat group of demon slayers, specifically, a Yaksha.
He is also heralded as the “Conqueror of Demons” and “Vigilant Yaksha”, names that accurately reflect his role. His past as a slave to an unnamed god, forced to slaughter innocent people, contributed to the immense karma he carries, and his fight against these karmic effects is ongoing. When he uses his Elemental Burst, Bane of All Evil, he unleashes the time-honored “Nuo Dance of Evil Conquering”, a technique passed down through the Yaksha to purge demons. This powerful ability, while devastating to his opponents, also causes him intense pain, reflecting the cost of his duty.
The unique duality of Xiao being both Adeptus and Yaksha highlights his complex character and tragic past. He is not simply a powerful being; he is a warrior burdened by his immense strength and the karmic consequences of his brutal battles. He represents the culmination of what it means to be both a powerful protector and a being haunted by his past.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Xiao and the Yaksha
1. Who were the original Five Yaksha?
The original five Yaksha were: Bosacius, Indarias, Bonanus, Menogias, and Alatus (Xiao). These powerful adepti served Rex Lapis as his most formidable demon slayers.
2. Is Xiao the only surviving Yaksha?
Yes, Xiao is the only Yaksha remaining from the original five. The others succumbed to the madness and despair caused by the endless karmic debt they accumulated during their battles.
3. What is the difference between Adepti and Yaksha?
Adepti are a broad group of illuminated beasts with supernatural abilities and long lifespans. Yaksha are a specific subset of Adepti, chosen by Rex Lapis for their combat prowess and tasked with fighting demons.
4. Why did the Yaksha go insane?
The constant exposure to the remnants of defeated gods, the endless slaughter, and the immense karmic debt took a severe toll on the Yaksha’s minds and bodies, ultimately driving them to insanity.
5. What is Xiao’s real name?
Xiao’s real name is Alatus, a fact he rarely shares with humans.
6. Why does Xiao wear a mask?
Xiao’s mask is a physical manifestation of his karmic debt. When he dons it, his combat abilities are enhanced, but he also experiences intense suffering. He uses the mask to protect Liyue despite the pain.
7. Is Xiao’s vision fake?
The Anemo Vision on his belt is considered a “fake” Vision. His actual source of anemo power is believed to be the purple diamond on his forehead.
8. What is Xiao’s preferred food?
Xiao only tolerates Almond Tofu. He associates its texture with the dreams he used to consume during his demon-slaying days.
9. How did Xiao get his Vision?
Xiao is believed to have received his anemo powers while under the control of an evil god, not from his work under Rex Lapis.
10. How old is Xiao?
Xiao is over 2,000 years old, making him one of the oldest living Adepti.
11. What was the past of Xiao before becoming Rex Lapis’ Yaksha?
Before serving under Rex Lapis, Xiao was enslaved by an unnamed god and forced to slaughter countless innocent lives, adding to his karmic burden.
12. Why is Xiao often associated with the “heart” of a poem about Aether?
The connections made in the quest lines have led many to believe that both Aether and Xiao have strong romantic feelings for each other.
13. Was Xiao the strongest Yaksha?
Due to his survival, immense strength, and long lifespan, Xiao is often considered one of the strongest Adepti, and most likely the strongest of the original five Yaksha.
14. Do all Adepti have human forms?
Adepti can take on different forms, including their illuminated beast forms. Some, like Madame Ping and the Yaksha, often appear in human-like forms.
15. Is Xiao afraid of anything?
Xiao is perhaps afraid of being forgotten or abandoned, reflecting his deep care for Liyue and his sense of duty. He fears that if he is forgotten, the countless sacrifices made for Liyue will be rendered meaningless.
By understanding the intricate relationships between adepti and yaksha, we gain a better appreciation for Xiao’s complexities and the vital role he plays in Liyue’s narrative. He is more than just a combat-focused Adepti; he is a survivor, a warrior, and a tragic hero bound by duty and haunted by his past. He is the embodiment of the duality of both Adepti and Yaksha, and his story is one of enduring power and endless struggle.