If you’re a donghua fan, your watchlist is likely dominated by the “Big Four” per se: Battle Through the Heavens, Renegade Immortal, Perfect World, and Soul Land. But I’m here to shout from the rooftops that there is a new seat at the table.
Tales of Herding Gods (Mushen Ji) is a masterclass in world-building that somehow balances the whimsical charm of Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple with the epic political maneuvers of Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre. Honestly, if you aren’t watching this yet… what are you even doing?
The Hook: A Village of Monsters
The story begins in the Disabled Elderly Village, located in the “Great Ruins” (Daxu)—a land abandoned by gods where darkness brings literal demons. Our protagonist, Qin Mu, is an orphan raised by nine disabled elders. But don’t let their appearances fool you; these are “old monsters” with unpredictable origins and god-tier skills.
While the mystery of Qin Mu’s origin provides a constant, gripping suspense (60+ episodes in and we’re still peeling back the layers!), the show is far more than a simple origin story. It’s a journey into a world where cows speak human words, divine bones dance in ruins, and giant ships drag the sun across the sky.
Why It Stands Out: Complexity Over Clichés
Most xinxia/wuxia series fall into the trap of “level up, fight, repeat.” Herding Gods breaks the mold in three specific ways:
Nuanced Politics: The power struggle isn’t just about who has the bigger energy blast. The recent conflict involving the Grand Imperial Preceptor and the rebelling Sect Masters is a perfect example. The politics are well-woven and messy—the stakes feel real because the “villains” often have complex motivations, and some even have ties to the Royal Family and ancient evils.
Qin Mu – The Deterrent: Our MC isn’t just another overpowered lucky kid. As the new Sect Master of the Heavenly Demon Sect, he carries immense weight. Watching him wave that flag to teleport an entire sect into battle is pure hype, but it’s his role as a deterrent—a check on the Imperial Preceptor’s power—that makes his character development so satisfying.
High-Octane Production
As a Nian Qing (Yearly) release, the animation quality is consistently top-tier. The fight choreography is creative and dynamic, avoiding the “static” feel of lower-budget productions. With the current pacing of roughly 3–4 novel chapters per episode, we could easily be looking at a 10-year legendary run.
A Note for the Harem-Wary: While there are romantic interests, the show stays focused. His relationship with Princess Ling Yuxiu is a highlight, acting as a “cultivation companion” bond that enhances the story rather than distracting from the mythos.
The Verdict: A Must-Watch
Is it perfect? It can be a lot to keep track of—I’ll admit I still get the techniques of the Great Thunderclap Monastery and the Dao Sect mixed up! But that’s the beauty of it. It’s a dense, rich, and “super fantasy” world that respects the viewer’s intelligence.
Whether you’re here for the jaw-dropping visuals or the philosophical turning points (like the heavy impact of the Patriarch of the Heavenly Saint Cult), Tales of Herding Gods is a breath of fresh air.
My advice? Stop sleeping on this gem. Binge it now so you can join me in wondering: What happens when the elders of the Disabled Village finally decide to step out and show the new era how it’s done?
Last Updated on January 18, 2026 by Yu Alexius
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