Imagine being a young genius of a noble family but losing all of your fortunes due to odd circumstances that eventually lead you to become a slave. Such is the story of the life of Luo Zheng, the MC of the new Chinese anime called Apotheosis (Bai Lian Cheng Shen) from YOUKU.
Despite having a generic plot, Apotheosis has proven to be a compelling story, especially for fans of Chinese cultivation donghua. A story of hard work, perseverance, and faith; Apotheosis is a story of a legend in the making, just like so many donghua in the same genre out there. But it also does thrive in the creative process which may often take the breath away of new viewers, especially those who are new to donghua.
Apotheosis is also known by other names such as Principles of Heavens: Zen’s Cultivation of Immortality, Forged Success, and Elevation to the Status of a God; is an adventure from weak to being the strongest and this is the plot that we often enjoy from a donghua. And if you’re simply looking for more Chinese anime like Apotheosis to fill up your watchlist.
10 Chinese Anime Like Apotheosis
A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality
Leading the list is probably the best Chinese cultivation donghua that many of us considered nowadays and that is A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality from Original Force and Wonder Cat Animation. Just like Luo Zheng, the MC of this donghua, Han Li had forced his way to the top through sheer hard work, wit, and perseverance. He came from a poor family but despite lacking privileges, he was able to pave a path for himself to get stronger and survive in the harsh world of cultivators.
Battle Through The Heavens
This is another story of a genius who loses everything and strives so hard to get back what he lost – both power and dignity. Hence, this led him to embark on a journey to get stronger and eventually became a god in his own right. However, the donghua adaptation hasn’t reached that far yet. Battle Through The Heavens is currently one of Tencent’s most popular and beloved donghua both inside and outside of China.
Tales of Demons and Gods
A story of betrayal and starting anew with perseverance, determination, and grit, all for the sake of saving loved ones. Tales of Demons and Gods is one of the longest-running donghua with over a hundred episodes and the stack is still building up. Just like Luo Zheng from Apotheosis, the Tales of Demons and Gods have an overwhelming powerful MC who will strive his way back to the top.
Tomb of Fallen Gods
Shen Mu | Another donghua from Wonder Cat Animation and Studio Rocen, this is one of the 2022 shows from YOUKU’s lineup. Story-wise, it is quite different from Apotheosis as this is more of a fantasy-adventure donghua with demons and immortals and discusses themes about human nature, society, and life. But the animation is beautiful and features interesting characters.
Against the Gods
Nitian Xie Shen | Apotheosis is the story of achieving godhood, and such may have been the case with Against the Gods in which the MC also swore to reach the pinnacle of power after he lose everything, experienced so many mockeries, and was abandoned by his clan.
Martial Peak
Wu Lian Dianfeng | There are so many similarities between Martial Peak and Apotheosis, from having MC who had been at their lowest, and considered as among trash, they somehow stumbled upon some secrets that changed the course of their destiny, thus, the journey towards the endless pursuit of unattainable heights begin.
Spirit Sword Sovereign
One of the donghua where the MC had been betrayed but now, he finds his way back to the top where should be. Spirit Sword Sovereign follows his journey after he loses all the glory and he will go through so many tribulations to exact his revenge and reclaim what was stolen from him.
Related Post: 10 Anime like Spirit Sword Sovereign (Ling Jian Zun)
Star Martial God Technique
Xing Wu Shen Jue | Also known as Astral Sutra, this donghua had been one of the popular shows from iQIYI and Ruo Hong Culture. This is another story of achieving godhood through various means, and in this story, it’s through the Star Martial Arts.
Throne of Seal
From the author of Soul Land, Throne of Seal had became one of the most popular Chinese donghua of 2022 since its release from the spring lineup this year. It is a beautiful combination of Chinese elements and Western antics, with an MC aspiring to protect the people he loves and get stronger to eradicate evils that lurk in the dark.
Jade Dynasty
Zhang Xiaofan is an orphan who was accepted as a disciple of one of the most powerful cultivation sects but unbeknownst to him, so many dark secrets are hidden within the sect and it jeopardizes his existence as he holds an even bigger and more dangerous secret within him after he took possession of a mysterious evil artifact. This donghua probably has some of the most gorgeous fight scenes I’ve watched this year and it is no inferior to Apotheosis.
Related Post: Top 10 Donghua & Anime Like Jade Dynasty You Need To Watch Next
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