45 minSeason 1 • Episode 35
LatestSan Sheng Mu was a kind and beautiful deity who saved the life of Liu Yan Chang, a mortal scholar. The two fell in love and had a son, Chen Xiang. San Sheng Mu's older brother, Er Lang Shen, found out about their romance and led the Heavenly Brigade in pursuit of the family. During this time of peril, San Sheng Mu gave the Lotus Lantern to Yan Chang to protect him and their son. Soon she was captured and pinned beneath Mount Hua. Thereafter, Yan Chang and Chen Xiang hid in a small village, making a meager living. Sixteen years later, Chen Xiang has grown up. One day he discovers that he possesses some mysterious powers, such as the ability to pass through walls. However, these powers begin to attract the attention of Er Lang Shen and Xiao Tian Quan; thus, Yan Chang must tell his son the story of their forbidden past. After learning of his mother's imprisonment at the hands of his uncle, Chen Xiang sets out on a journey to rescue her.
Production
Mid-2000s CGI that aged like milk but charms like cheese.
Acting
Vincent Chiao's Er Lang Shen: villain you love to hate, then just love.
Costume
Heavenly realm fashion that screams 'I have a budget and I'm using it.'
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This adapts the classic 'Chen Xiang Rescues His Mother' legend, one of China's Four Great Folktales—though it controversially rewrites Er Lang Shen from hero to antagonist.
Vincent Chiao's performance as Er Lang Shen became so beloved that later adaptations (like 2009's 'Prelude') retconned him into a tragic hero, essentially validating this series' unintended sympathy.
CN
