Want a xianxia anime that breaks the mold? Renegade Immortal (Xian Ni) follows Wang Lin, an ostracized youth who defies fate through his unorthodox cultivation. Experience dark themes, captivating characters, and thrilling battles in this gripping donghua. Discover comparisons to other shows, production details, and reasons why you shouldn’t miss it!
Xian Ni (Renegade Immortal)
A Spark of Defiance:
Renegade Immortal, also known as Xian Ni, is a Chinese donghua (animation) that has captivated audiences with its blend of xianxia fantasy, captivating characters, and themes of defying fate. The story follows Wang Lin, a young man ostracized for his lack of talent in cultivation. Refusing to accept his limitations, he embarks on the journey of strengthening himself through willpower, luck, grit, and determination, defying societal expectations, and carving his own path to power.
Renegade Immortal is adapted from a Chinese web novel by Er Gen, the same author who brought to life some of the best xinxia stories such as A Will Eternal, and I Shall Seal the Heavens. The donghua was released in 2023 and had been one of the best from Tencent’s lineup that year.
Synopsis:
It tells the story of Wang Lin, an ordinary young man in the countryside, who is moved by his heart and cultivates against immortality. His pursuit is not only for longevity but also for getting rid of the ants behind it. He firmly believed in human beings and entered the path of cultivation with mediocre qualifications. After experiencing ups and downs, with his wise mind, he gradually reached the pinnacle and became famous in the cultivation world with his own strength. Source: WeTV
A Journey of Cultivation and Conflict:
Wang Lin’s journey is fraught with challenges. He faces discrimination, betrayal, and powerful enemies who seek to exploit his unconventional cultivation methods. Yet, through sheer determination and unwavering will, he overcomes each obstacle, acquiring incredible skills and forging his strength to be on par with cultivators who are normally more powerful than him. As he ascends the ranks of cultivators, he uncovers ancient secrets and confronts stronger beings, ultimately challenging the very fate laid out for him.
Comparisons to Fellow Donghua:
While sharing the xianxia genre’s common motifs of cultivation, reincarnation, and mythical creatures, Renegade Immortal stands out in several ways:
- Focus on External Cultivation: Unlike many donghua where internal energy reigns supreme, Renegade Immortal delves into the unique and demanding path of external cultivation, offering a distinct visual style and combat approach. Now, that is quite similar to Stellar Transformations (Xing Chen Bian), a few in this department, I must say.
- Morally Ambiguous Protagonist: Wang Lin is not the typical selfless hero. He possesses a ruthless streak and prioritizes his own survival, making him a more complex and intriguing protagonist.
- Darker and Grittier Narrative: Compared to lighthearted adventures often found in donghua, Renegade Immortal features a more grounded and often brutal world, showcasing the harsh realities of the cultivation journey.
Behind the Scenes of Production:
Produced by Shanghai Foch Film, the animation boasts sleek visuals with detailed character designs and dynamic action sequences. The soundtrack further enhances the atmosphere, immersing viewers in the world of Wang Lin’s struggles and triumphs. However, some viewers criticize the animation quality in earlier episodes, while others praise its improvement in later seasons. It is important to take note that Shanghai Foch Film is also the studio behind other popular and successful xinxia donghua such as Perfect World (Wanmei Shijie), Stellar Transformations (Xing Chen Bian), and Full-Time Magister (Quanzhi Fashi).
Is Renegade Immortal for You?
If you enjoy captivating xianxia stories with unconventional protagonists, challenging journeys, and morally complex narratives, then Renegade Immortal is definitely worth exploring. Just be prepared for a darker and grittier experience compared to some other donghua. So, are you ready to defy fate alongside Wang Lin? Start your journey with Renegade Immortal and embark on an epic adventure of cultivation, power, and rebellion!
Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Yu Alexius
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