I am a subscriber to a particular YouTube Channel with the title of Accented Cinema. The videos contain interesting information about foreign film industries. I also make use of a few apps that let me read web manhua of the mainland. In either of those cases, I recognize a purely Chinese genre of Xianxia. In that genre come the following tropes: disgraced fighters, social hierarchy, spiritual cultivation, pharmaceuticals, and occasionally isekai. What brings these on though?
Xianxia Introductions
Xianxia genre stories appeal to people for a variety of reasons. The manga-like art styles are simple enough for artists to get attention. The stories meanwhile feature quite a lot of things to enjoy. The main characters of most Xianxia are underdogs who are at a disadvantage politically and physically. This gives the everyman someone to root for when contrasting them to the more wealthy yet corrupt seniors. A big part of Chinese culture is always improving and learning.
Is Something Wrong With the Title?
Xianxia characters appeal mostly to gamers (especially MMO players). Many of the worlds and scenarios the characters are in resemble RPGs. For example, cultivation is essentially that world’s version of experience points. As such, the level of cultivation determines someone’s place in society. When it comes to the main characters though, it’s not just about being strong but being clever. Again RPGs are about improving your character, resource management, and consequences.
What gives these characters an edge over their wealthier competition is making use of efficiency and growth. In a way it’s also criticizing pay-to-win models of gaming. Rather than try to focus on the most powerful moves or gear, it’s about maximizing one’s potential. The best methods of growth come from actually crafting your own gear and abilities that evolve. That’s not to say that the MCs don’t make use of more unique factors like power accumulating tools or guides.
Are You Sure People Don’t Make Games From These?
There are also a number of times when these scenarios look more like games than anything. Some MCs inhabit the bodies of avatars in a few series like God of Martial Arts. Others go back in time before events take place like a New Game Plus feature. There doesn’t appear to save points though. It’s amazing how much information these character retain after this. Rarely groups and guilds form as a result of this past knowledge.
Xianxia is More Than Power Fantasy
Remember that bit about avatars? For some reason, some characters appear in those worlds after an accident. Yes, that makes them isekai. Unlike their Japanese counterparts though, the MCs prefer their new worlds and do not intend to go home. To be fair, most of their lives aren’t exactly great. Escapist fantasies certainly are appealing, especially when problems are solved by knocking down bullies. Or an assassin gets away with murder legally.
A small number of Xianxia though take place in the modern day world of China. However, for whatever strange reason, the mystic effects of those worlds appear there. China is a culture that says nature is malleable. Or at least that’s what The Wandering Earth suggests. By using their knowledge of those fantasy worlds, the MCs gain the powers. Chatrooms seem to be a common place to do this. Otherwise MCs just come back from the fantastic worlds with their knowledge.
Meaning?
People like to make fun of games as they are for the purpose of entertainment. But they actually make subtle improvements to people’s development. Besides improving hand-eye coordination; games teach real skills like resource management, social skills, problem solving, and innovation. There is not a single time when an MC does not go and help others to get by. A lot of times there are ulterior motives, but they do seem to enjoy themselves in companionship.
These People are Reading Not Playing
Avatars aren’t just for the MC, they’re for the reader too. As they go along with the MC on their journey, a reader gains a sense of empowerment. This can fill the reader with confidence and in turn inspire them to make decisions in life. Of course they can’t smash mountains. With their willpower though they don’t need to.
What Xianxia Do You Recommend?
In terms of pure quality, I recommend finding apps that let you read stories like Yaoshenji. The story uses a New Game + scenario so audiences can suspend their disbelief on the OP protagonist. One particular franchise that changes overtime by allowing new perspectives is Douluo Dalu (Soul Land). However, if you want series that offer certain points of view I recommend the following series. Cultivation Chat Group, Back From Immortal World, and Phoenix Goes Against the World. The last one in particular is about what it means to be a female in those worlds. Especially when they’re not trying to find love.
If reading’s not your thing, there are animations from these series; even if you have to be a little creative to see them. Most of these series are in CGI like Yaoshenji and Doupo Cangqiong. The one with the highest praise however is the hand-drawn Mo Dao Zu Shi.
Is There Anything Else?
As for the genre itself, I see a lot of potential but not enough utilization. Solve all problems through Might Makes Right? Where do commoners fit in all this? I wonder if someone is brave enough for deconstructing it.
Anyway, thanks for coming and as always, remember to look between the panels.