Once Upon a Time in China, Danmei Version

 

I came across Thousand Autumns while reading MXTX's books, but I only picked it up after finishing all of Meatbun's works. Before buying Meng Xi Shi's Thousand Autumns, I decided to watch its donghua (animated adaptation) to see if I would like the story.

Thousand Autumns is a martial arts-focused danmei that revolves around various martial arts sects fighting for dominance in the political arena. It reminded me a lot of the Once Upon a Time in China movies. Growing up, I watched many Chinese martial arts films and ancient Chinese dramas on TV5. Sometimes, I’d catch them on cable, even though I didn’t understand Mandarin. Because of that, Thousand Autumns felt nostalgic.

The story features two main characters: Yan Wushi, who practices demonic cultivation, and Shen Qiao, a Daoist priest. Yan Wushi, ranked as the second most powerful in the martial arts world, has a fearsome reputation, especially among disciples of demonic cultivation. He has a moody temperament and a rather egotistical, narcissistic personality.

Shen Qiao, on the other hand, is the leader of a sect who experiences a fall from grace after being defeated in a challenge. He cultivates his martial arts based on Daoist principles and is a devout practitioner.

Luckily for Shen Qiao, Yan Wushi happens to be at the foot of the mountain when Shen Qiao is defeated and falls. Yan Wushi saves him—not personally, but through his disciple. However, Wushi’s motives aren’t purely altruistic. He saves Shen Qiao because he wants to corrupt him. Yan Wushi believes that all humans have darkness within, and with enough betrayal, treachery, and disappointment, anyone can be pushed towards it. Interestingly, as you read through the novel, you find out that when Yan Wushi was younger (probably under 20), he made a promise to Shen Qiao's master that if one of his disciples ever needed help, he would offer assistance. This detail adds complexity to Wushi’s character, making you realize he isn’t entirely evil.

In fact, throughout the novel, Yan Wushi doesn’t come across as truly villainous. He’s just someone who doesn’t tolerate nonsense.

Shen Qiao endures a lot after his fall, but he never abandons his Daoist principles or turns to demonic cultivation. He remains pure and steadfast in his beliefs. Over time, he manages to regain both his martial arts skills and his reputation.

Since this is a danmei novel, despite all the teasing and bullying from Yan Wushi, the two eventually fall in love. It’s quite humorous, especially when Wushi’s disciples realize that their master has fallen for Shen Qiao.

The book is well-written, and many reviews praise Meng Xi Shi for her thorough research. The novel includes historical facts about territories, clans, and certain events in China, even mentioning the three tribes of what is now the Korean peninsula. It’s also refreshing that the book stays wholesome in its portrayal of the characters' relationship.

I hope they finish the donghua, even though it diverges slightly from the novel. Certain important events in the book had to be rewritten or toned down due to the "gay essence" in those scenes, as homosexuality is illegal in China. The donghua ended midway through the third volume, and I hope they continue adapting the rest of the story.