Dan Heng, a character in Honkai: Star Rail, remains a mysterious figure. He is a member of the Astral Express Crew and embarks on voyages alongside March 7th, Himeko, Welt Yang, and the Trailblazer to investigate planets and seal the Stellaron, which is causing devastation to these worlds. To combat adversaries, Dan Heng wields a spear called the Cloud-Piercer. Unlike his comrades, he is quieter and more reserved, often spending his time alone in the Astral Express' archive room until he is called upon to join his fellow Trailblazers on a mission.
Throughout Honkai: Star Rail's storyline, players discover that Dan Heng used to reside in Xianzhou Luofu but was banished for reasons that remain unknown. The in-game lore of his character portrays him as having boarded the Astral Express after jumping from one ship to another within Xianzhou. There are still many elements of Dan Heng's narrative that players have yet to uncover, but the introduction of the new five-star character, Imbibitor Lunae, could potentially provide a significant clue regarding his true identity.
Uncovering Dan Heng's True Form as Imbibitor Lunae
In Honkai: Star Rail, Imbibitor Lunae is introduced as the High Elder of the Luofu. He carries the legacy of the Azure Dragon and protects the Ambrosial Arbor. This five-star Imaginary-type character follows the Path of Destruction. He is believed to be the dragon form of Dan Heng and is speculated to possess even greater abilities than what has been shown in the game so far. Recent leaks from Honkai: Star Rail gameplay suggest that Imbibitor Lunae may also have a companion dragon.
According to the in-game lore of Honkai: Star Rail, Dan Heng had to conceal his true identity after being banished from the Xianzhou. It is hinted that he was trying to evade a menacing individual with "beastly eyes," who is believed to be the Stellaron Hunter Blade. Himeko recruited Dan Heng to serve as the guard and archiver of the Astral Express.
At present, the status of Dan Heng and Blade's relationship remains unclear in the story. Upon arriving at Xianzhou Luofu, Dan Heng experienced a nightmare in which Blade appeared to be pursuing him. Initially prohibited from setting foot on the Luofu, Dan Heng disregarded this restriction and promptly joined his crewmates upon realizing Blade's presence in the same location. Some players have speculated that as Imbibitor Lunae, Dan Heng may have bestowed Blade with a fruit from the Ambrosial Arbor, potentially granting Blade immortality and regenerative abilities. This theory could explain Dan Heng's exile and desire to escape his homeland to avoid capture.
The primary narrative of Honkai: Star Rail is projected to progress in Version 1.2, with Kafka and Blade serving as the five-star banner units. It is plausibly anticipated that Imbibitor Lunae will finally emerge in this chapter of the Xianzhou story, particularly considering rumors of his role as the banner character for Version 1.3, alongside Fu Xuan. This development could shed more light on Imbibitor Lunae's past as the High Elder of Luofu and guardian of the Ambrosial Arbor, as well as elucidate the circumstances that led to his transformation into his "human form" as a means to evade Blade. Furthermore, it would afford players a deeper understanding of the dragon species in Honkai: Star Rail, including Bailu, the High Priestess of the Vidyadhara.
Honkai: Star Rail's future storyline raises questions about Imbibitor Lunae's potential return as High Elder after Blade's defeat, and whether Dan Heng will continue with the Astral Express Crew once his true identity as Imbibitor Lunae is exposed. With upcoming updates, players can look forward to discovering more about Dan Heng's story and its significance in the game's universe. Honkai: Star Rail is currently accessible on PC and mobile devices, with plans for PS4 and PS5 versions underway.