Yi Nian Yong Heng

As someone who was initially skeptical about Chinese anime, my perspective shifted dramatically after stumbling upon Hitori no Shita: The Outcast in its Japanese dub. Discovering it was a Chinese production sparked my curiosity to explore more donghua, but most failed to capture the same magic-until I found A Will Eternal (Yi Nian Yong Heng). This series is a masterpiece that hooked me so thoroughly I've rewatched it five times from start to its latest episodes, each viewing as exhilarating as the first. With its captivating storyline, innovative power system, intricate plot, and top-tier animation quality, A Will Eternal stands as a pinnacle of Chinese animation that rivals even the best Japanese anime.

The storyline centers on Bai Xiaochun, a charmingly flawed protagonist whose fear of death and desire for immortality drive him into the world of cultivation. Unlike typical xianxia heroes, Bai's blend of cunning, humor, and genuine heart makes him instantly relatable. His journey through the Spirit Stream Sect and beyond is a rollercoaster of triumphs, setbacks, and laugh-out-loud moments. The narrative balances epic stakes-sect wars, ancient conspiracies-with personal growth, as Bai evolves from a mischievous novice to a figure of legend. Each arc, from the Fallen Sword Abyss to the Blood Stream Sect, builds seamlessly, keeping you glued to the screen. The pacing is near-perfect, avoiding the drag common in long-form cultivation stories, with 106 episodes (as of 2025) that never feel bloated.

The power system in A Will Eternal is a standout, blending traditional xianxia cultivation with unique twists. The progression from Qi Condensation to Core Formation and beyond feels organic, with each stage clearly defined yet creatively expanded through Bai's alchemical experiments and unorthodox techniques, like the Human Controlling Grand Magic. The system's depth-tied to pills, formations, and spiritual energy-adds strategic layers to battles, making them as cerebral as they are visually spectacular. Unlike other donghua where power-ups feel arbitrary, here every breakthrough is earned, often with hilarious or heart-wrenching consequences, reflecting Bai's chaotic genius.

The plot is a tapestry of intrigue, humor, and emotional depth. It weaves Bai's personal quest with larger mysteries, like the origins of the Eternal World, without overwhelming the viewer. Subplots, such as Bai's rivalries and friendships with characters like Song Que or the spirited Du Lingfei, are richly developed, adding emotional weight. The humor-often stemming from Bai's knack for causing chaos, like his infamous pill concoctions-keeps the tone light, while darker moments, such as sect betrayals, ground the stakes. This balance ensures the story resonates on multiple levels, appealing to both casual viewers and xianxia enthusiasts.

Animation quality is where A Will Eternal truly shines. Produced by B. CMAY PICTURES, the visuals are vibrant and fluid, with lush environments-from misty mountains to glowing spirit caves-that immerse you in its world. Battle scenes are dynamic, with spell effects and martial techniques rendered in dazzling detail, rivaling top anime like Demon Slayer. Character designs are expressive, capturing Bai's cheeky grin or the stoic menace of antagonists. The Japanese dub, which I discovered after Hitori no Shita, enhances the experience, with voice actors bringing nuance to every line.

In a sea of lackluster donghua, A Will Eternal is a gem that converted me into a Chinese anime fan. Its gripping story, inventive power system, layered plot, and stunning animation make it a must-watch. Whether you're new to donghua or a seasoned viewer, this series will leave you hungry for more. I'm already anticipating my sixth rewatch!

When I was 15 I first watched anime, I was always repulsed by "cartoons" because I was so "grown up" and didn't want anyone to think otherwise. The first one I watched was Sword Art Online, maybe that's why I ended up liking everything with swordsmen and magic and isekai and stuff like that. Now I'm 22 and yes, I still watch anime. In all that time I've seen about 150 titles, some I like more, despite the low ratings, than the cult ones, some less. I've never rated anything in particular, I think they're all good in their own way and it's just not fair to rate them. But now I know 100% that it's the best thing I've ever watched in my life. I don't get it wrong, it's a matter of taste and color, but this anime has given me more emotion than the screen versions of works by Hayao Miyazaki, Yoshihiro Takahashi and other famous persons. I had a hard time looking for new anime over the years and I was so happy when I found this one, I was so euphoric about every episode, I didnt even realise Chinese people can do such things. Just unrealistically recommend to all. Never wrote anything like this, I hope my opinion will be useful to someone :P

Reminded me of the Mo Dao Zu Shi, another proof that the Chinese are capable in anime.

The only reason to watch this is to compare it to the book and see what an utter waste of resources this animation is.

I have read all the books of Er Gen except A Will Eternal, and then I stumbled upon this series and was overjoyed that something like this exists. Then I read the other review here that praises it so much that the sweetness drips from my display, so I knew that this is a must watch!

By the time I got to the 30 episode I felt that something was off. The main character was absolutely inconsistent and weird, not in a good way that defines a character, but because of the bad writing, and I knew there's something fishy here because Er Gen doesn't do these silly mistakes.

When I encountered the weirdest arc change I have ever seen in my life (the one involving a certain mask and another sect), I knew I have to read the book to see if it was just as weird.

And what do you know - turns out the producers added, removed and revised so much that they butchered the whole plot and made it incomprehensible to anyone with more than two brain cells. Xiaochun is a bipolar crybaby Marty Sue, and every plot twist is a Deus ex Machina with no explanation.

Thank God, Er Gen didn't disappoint, and now I'm really enjoying the book. I recommend to do just that, it's hilarious.

I love long lasting stories that have unique characters and great story telling. This show creates a good atmosphere and makes you want to live in the same world as Bai Xiaochun. Some animes become overdone with repeating the same things over and over but when it comes to world building and creating more story to come it brings depth and excitement, all in all this is a really great show to watch so it surprised me with how well done it is, and I actually like the comedy in it, it's not too cheesy. I haven't read the novel yet but I'm really hoping for more seasons this has a whole lot of potential. I have watched over 500 animes and I have to put this in my top 5.

Honestly I'm shocked by how gate kept this show is. I stumbled upon it randomly and it's already in my top 10 anime list.

The power system is so good, it has such rich world building and really good characters. Bai is such a funny MC as well.

I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys either battle shonen anime or fantasy anime.

For the negatives, it definitely takes some getting used of listening to mandarin. It's a shame there no Dub because it's visually stunning. The animation budget must be insane and it's very dialogue heavy so apart from fight you will be constantly reading. The subs go very fast as well so it takes some getting used of. I found watching it on YouTube was better for finding good subs and there's way more episodes on there than anime sites for some reason. It's pretty easy to find on YouTube though at least.

Definitely a hidden gem and well worth your time. The show picks up heavily about 10-15 episodes in after they enter a forest outside the sect on a mission. Once he locks in it gets crazy.

My current top animation list now so you can judge for yourself if it's worth your time. If you like these shows, you will also enjoy A Will Eternal

1. Attack on Titan - 🥇10/10 2. Avatar: T. L. A. B -🥈10/10 (Western Anime) 3. Vinland Saga - 🥉9/10 4. Demon Slayer - 9/10 5. Jujitsu Kaisen - 9/10 6. Hunter x Hunter - 9/10 7. A Will Eternal (Donghua) - 9/10 8. Solo Levelling - 9/10 9. Mushoku Tensei - 8.5/10 10. Re:Zero - 8.5/10.