“Cang Yuan Tu” (“Azure Legacy”, “沧元图动画”, “The Demon Hunter” ) has become a significant name in the world of Chinese anime, captivating audiences with its intricate plots and well-developed characters. The first season was a massive hit, often praised for its storytelling and faithful adaptation of the source material. However, the recent release of the side story has sparked mixed reactions. While fans eagerly await the second season, the side story has faced harsh criticism. This article will analyze the reasons behind this backlash and the high expectations for the upcoming season.
High Expectations and Disappointment with the Side Story
The side story of “Cang Yuan Tu” was met with great anticipation. Fans expected it to maintain the high standards set by the first season. However, the side story, comprising only four episodes, has been widely criticized for its storytelling and character development.
Inadequate Storytelling and Excessive Cliffhangers
The primary criticism of the side story revolves around its storytelling. Viewers anticipated a cohesive narrative that would add depth to the “Cang Yuan Tu” universe. Instead, the side story felt like an extended teaser, focusing more on setting up future plot points rather than delivering a self-contained story.
One glaring example is the subplot involving the impostor Shen Zhou who invades Dongning Prefecture. Fans were eager to uncover his true identity, but the series concluded without providing any substantial clues or resolutions. Instead, the character delivered cryptic lines to supporting characters, leaving his role and motivations unclear.
Additionally, the character Taishan Fujun from the underworld, who seeks out Meng Chuan in Dongning Prefecture, had his purpose shrouded in mystery. Even Meng Chuan himself seemed perplexed by these events. Fans expect a clear and engaging story, not a series of vague hints and cliffhangers. This mishandling of the plot led to widespread frustration and mockery directed at the anime’s director.
Poor Character Development
Another major issue was the failure to develop the characters adequately, including the protagonist Meng Chuan. Before the release of the side story, many fans believed it would focus on Liu Yebai, Meng Chuan’s father-in-law, given his prominent presence in the trailers. Liu Yebai’s character, depicted as handsome and cool, was highly anticipated. However, the series portrayed him as a mere supporting character, often outsmarted and overpowered, leading to a significant letdown.
Meng Chuan’s father also suffered from poor character development. Despite his strength, he could not make strategic decisions or execute effective actions. The character Zhi Hua, a beautiful agent sent to carry out a mission, was similarly disappointing. Her actions often led to more harm than good, suggesting that her absence might have resulted in fewer casualties.
Meng Chuan, once a charismatic and likable protagonist, lost much of his appeal in the side story. His character lacked the depth and allure that made him popular in the main series, resulting in a negative reception from many viewers.
Fans Demand a New Director
Given the widespread disappointment, many fans have called for a change in the directorial team. They believe that a new director with greater skill and vision could better realize the potential of the series. This sentiment has grown stronger with each episode of the side story, as viewers’ expectations were repeatedly unmet.
While the final decision rests with the anime’s official team, it is clear that fans are vocal about their dissatisfaction and desire for improvement. They hope that by bringing in a new director, the series can return to the quality and storytelling prowess that made the first season so beloved.
The Anticipation for Season 2
Despite the criticisms of the side story, anticipation for the second season of “Cang Yuan Tu” remains high. The recently released trailer has teased significant developments, particularly Meng Chuan’s awakening of the Seven-Colored Fierce Qi, setting the stage for an epic continuation of his journey.
Meng Chuan’s Awakening of the Seven-Colored Fierce Qi
The trailer for “Cang Yuan Tu” Season 2 has confirmed that Meng Chuan, the main character, possesses an extraordinary talent, awakening the Seven-Colored Fierce Qi. This awakening signifies a significant transformation, as the Seven-Colored Fierce Qi embodies seven distinct emotions: joy, anger, sorrow, contemplation, grief, fear, and surprise. In the previous episodes of the “Cang Yuan Tu” side story, many members of the You Shen Wei had awakened some form of Fierce Qi. However, most of them could only awaken one type, with General Qin Wu being an exception, having awakened the Five-Colored Fierce Qi.
According to Zhi Hua’s explanation, those who can awaken the Five-Colored Fierce Qi are destined for greatness, potentially becoming King-level deities if they do not meet an untimely end. General Qin Wu, having awakened the Five-Colored Fierce Qi, is a prime example of such a figure. Meng Chuan’s awakening of the Seven-Colored Fierce Qi indicates that his future achievements will surpass even those of Qin Wu, as the Seven-Colored Fierce Qi is far more potent.
Becoming a Pawn of the General
Currently, Meng Chuan has been forced into becoming a pawn, primarily due to the influence of the beautiful Zhi Hua. Although Zhi Hua presents herself positively in front of Meng Chuan, she reveals her true intentions once she leaves Dongning Prefecture. She produces a painting scroll, which, when unfurled, reveals a middle-aged man with an imposing aura. This man, who can move freely within the painting and converse with those outside it, is Qin Wu, Zhi Hua’s master.
Upon learning from Zhi Hua that Meng Chuan had awakened the Five-Colored Fierce Qi, Qin Wu decided to make Meng Chuan his pawn to serve his purposes. However, Qin Wu is unaware that Zhi Hua has misjudged Meng Chuan’s abilities. While Zhi Hua believes Meng Chuan has awakened the Five-Colored Fierce Qi, Meng Chuan has awakened the Seven-Colored Fierce Qi. Meng Chuan, being astute, chose not to correct this misconception, preferring to keep his true abilities hidden as a trump card.
Recognizing Meng Chuan’s potential, Qin Wu immediately sought to recruit him as a pawn. At this stage, Meng Chuan had no choice but to comply, as he had not yet reached his full potential and was not strong enough to oppose Qin Wu. However, the situation is expected to change in five years, when Meng Chuan’s power will have grown significantly. By then, he will likely be able to shed his pawn status and might even surpass Qin Wu.
Official Announcements and Teasers
The official announcements and teasers for “Cang Yuan Tu” Season 2 have created significant buzz among fans. The series’ official Weibo account has shared various posts highlighting key elements of the upcoming season. These include the introduction of the “Divine Fierce Qi,” which combines the power of the primordial spirit with fierce energy, and the intricate designs of the You Shen Wei warriors.
One teaser emphasizes the “ink-wash martial arts” aesthetic of the series, inviting fans to immerse themselves in the high-energy, visually stunning fight scenes. The official release also highlights the introduction of the “Four Methods of the Primordial Spirit” and the “Seven-Colored Fierce Qi,” which are expected to bring a new level of excitement and complexity to the storyline.
The promotional video shared on Weibo further builds anticipation, showcasing glimpses of the intense battles and intricate plot developments that await in the second season. This focus on high-quality animation and storytelling has reassured fans that the series will maintain its high standards and deliver a compelling continuation of Meng Chuan’s journey.
Release Date Confirmed
One of the most pressing questions for fans has been the release date of “Cang Yuan Tu” Season 2. The official announcement has confirmed that the second season will be released in the latter half of this year. This is indicated by the phrase “this year on the mountain” in the trailer, referring to the Shangyuan Chushan, central to the second season’s plot. Given that it is already August, the release is imminent, though the exact date remains unspecified. It could be as soon as this month or as late as November or December.
Despite the uncertainty regarding the exact release date, the confirmation that “Cang Yuan Tu” Season 2 will air this year is reassuring for fans. The quality and storytelling of the first season have set high expectations, and many are eager to see if the second season will meet or exceed these expectations.
Conclusion
The “Cang Yuan Tu” side story has faced significant criticism for its poor storytelling and character development. These issues have led to a strong demand for a change in the directorial team. However, the anticipation for the second season remains high, with fans eager to see Meng Chuan’s journey continue.
The promise of Meng Chuan’s awakening of the Seven-Colored Fierce Qi and the potential conflicts and growth that lie ahead have set the stage for an exciting continuation. The production team must address the concerns raised by fans to ensure that the second season delivers a satisfying and engaging narrative.
As the release date for “Cang Yuan Tu” Season 2 approaches, fans hope the series will return to the quality and storytelling that made the first season so beloved. Whether it meets these expectations will determine the future success and legacy of “Cang Yuan Tu.”