If you’ve stepped foot into the Mo Dao Zu Shi (The Founder of Diabolism) fandom, you already know that WangXian—the soul-binding bond between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji—is the sun around which the entire story orbits. Their journey from teenage rivals to devoted partners is nothing short of legendary.
However, once you look past the central romance, you’ll find a world teeming with complex characters, tragic backstories, and missed opportunities that have fueled years of fan theories and “side shipping.”
The beauty of MXTX’s writing lies in its “grey” morality; almost every character is the hero of their own tragedy. Here is a look at some of the most popular side ships that keep the fandom buzzing.
Popular Side Ships of Mo Dao Zu Shi
1. XiCheng: The “Opposites Attract” Powerhouse
Pairing: Lan Xichen x Jiang Cheng
While they don’t share a vast amount of screen time, XiCheng is a massive fan favorite. The appeal lies in the contrast: Lan Xichen is the calm, empathetic “First Jade,” while Jiang Cheng is the prickly, short-tempered leader of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect.
- The Dynamic: Fans often imagine Xichen as the only person with enough patience to peel back Jiang Cheng’s defensive layers.
- The Connection: Both characters carry the weight of their respective sects and have suffered immense family loss. There is a deep, unspoken understanding of duty that binds them together in the eyes of fans.
2. The Tragedy of Yi City: XueXiao and ShuangZun
The Yi City arc is arguably the most heartbreaking subplot in the series, and it has birthed two very different shipping dynamics.
- XueXiao (Xue Yang x Xiao Xingchen): This is a classic “dark” ship. It explores the twisted, obsessive dynamic between the sociopathic Xue Yang and the selfless Xiao Xingchen. It’s a story of deception, regret, and the desperate desire for a domestic life that was built on a lie.
- ShuangZun (Xiao Xingchen x Song Lan): For those who prefer something more “pure,” this ship focuses on the two wandering cultivators who shared a dream of “cleansing the world together.” Their bond is rooted in mutual respect and shared ideals, making their ultimate fate all the more devastating.
3. XuanLi: The Canon Heartbreak
Pairing: Jin Zixuan x Jiang Yanli
As one of the few “official” couples, XuanLi gives us a glimpse of what happiness could have looked like in this world.
- The Growth: Watching the arrogant Jin Zixuan eventually swallow his pride and realize he is head-over-heels for the kind-hearted Yanli is one of the most wholesome arcs in the show.
- The Impact: Their relationship is the emotional anchor for Wei Wuxian. Their happiness represents the peace he was trying to protect, which makes the events at Nightless City feel like a personal blow to the audience.
4. The Junior Quartet: ZhuiYi
Pairing: Lan Sizhui x Lan Jingyi
Representing the “next generation,” Sizhui and Jingyi provide much-needed levity.
- The Dynamic: Sizhui is the polite, disciplined student (clearly taking after Lan Wangji), while Jingyi is the outspoken, surprisingly loud Lan disciple. Their bickering friendship is a breath of fresh air amidst the heavy political drama of their elders.
Why We Ship Them?
Mo Dao Zu Shi is a masterclass in world-building, but its greatest strength is its characters. Whether it’s the “what could have been” angst of the elders or the “hopeful future” of the juniors, these side ships allow fans to spend more time with characters who often met tragic ends.
While the story is undoubtedly a drama first, these fan-favorite pairings help us explore the emotional depth of a world where love, duty, and tragedy are inextricably linked.
Who is your favorite side character in MDZS? Is there a pairing you think deserved more screen time? Let us know in the comments!