Painting Rivers and Lakes Season 7: Release Date, Characters, and Plot Analysis

The long-awaited seventh season of “Painting Rivers and Lakes” has finally set its course, with Tencent Video officially announcing the news of its premiere date as March 27th. This is a response to every fan’s desire who has patiently waited for Li Xingyun’s next progress and the plot of the fascinating political world around the series.

“Painting Rivers and Lakes” has established itself as one of China’s premier animated series, blending intricate storytelling with stunning animation. The series follows Li Xingyun, a young man navigating the dangerous world of martial arts and political intrigue, as he becomes entangled with various factions vying for power.

Release Details and Platform Information

The choice to air on Tencent Video continues the series’ established platform presence, building on the substantial audience base cultivated over six previous seasons. This consistency not only provides familiar access for returning viewers but also leverages the platform’s marketing capabilities to attract new audiences.

The timing, falling in late March, positions the series to capitalize on the spring animation season while avoiding direct competition with other major releases that typically cluster at the beginning of the month. The decision to maintain a consistent release pattern demonstrates the producers’ understanding of their audience and the importance of building reliable viewing habits.

Character Developments and New Introductions

Li Xingyun’s Perilous Position

The preview materials paint a grim picture of our protagonist Li Xingyun, who finds himself in hostile territory under the watchful eye of Queen Shuli Duo. This development raises the stakes significantly, as Li Xingyun’s presence in the Northern Desert becomes known to his most formidable adversary from the previous season.

The fact that Shuli Duo has dispatched her son with substantial forces to apprehend Li Xingyun suggests that this confrontation will be neither quick nor simple. Li Xingyun’s renowned martial arts skills will be tested against overwhelming numbers, potentially leading to one of his most challenging battles yet.

Shuli Duo’s Expanded Role

Queen Shuli Duo emerges as a central antagonist opposing Li Xingyun. Her strategic moves, such as appointing her son Yelv Yaoguang as Grand Marshal to lead the Northern Desert forces, suggest a calculated campaign against Li Xingyun. This development adds layers to the narrative, as it introduces family dynamics and potential internal conflicts within the Northern Desert faction.

Shuli Duo (述里朵)

Alias: Queen, Mother Queen
Voiced by: Li Shirong (李世荣)
Gender: Female
Affiliation: Northern Desert Forces
Title: Queen of the Northern Desert
Husband: Yelü Abaoji (deceased)
Son: Yelü Yaoguang (successor)
Daughter: Yelü Zhiwu (shaman leader)
Loyalists: Da He Feng, Shili Qixiang, Yaolian Didi
Ally: Li Siyuan (conditional cooperation)

Power & Abilities:

• Supreme Political Authority – Absolute ruler of the Northern Desert
• Strategic Mastermind – Skilled in military and political tactics
• Fearless Leadership – Commands elite warriors and assassins
• Iron Will – Cut off her own hand to secure her rule

Ao Gu’s Significance

The appearance of Ao Gu, the Great Shaman, adds another dimension to the conflict. Her authoritative presence, emphasized by her magical staff, suggests significant mystical powers at play. The direct order from Shuli Duo to “bring that person back” points to Li Xingyun being the focal point of these confrontations.

Yelu Zhiwu (耶律质舞)

Alias: Ao Gu (奥姑), Great Shaman (大萨满), Wu Mei (舞妹)
Voiced by: Li Shimeng (李诗萌)
Gender: Female
Age: 29
Affiliation: Northern Desert Forces
Title: Great Shaman of the Northern Desert

Father: Yelu Abaoji (Emperor of Khitan)
Mother: Shuli Duo (Queen of the Northern Desert)
Brother: Yelü Yaoguang (Heir to the throne)
Uncles: Yelu Lage, Li Xingyun, Zhang Zifan
Aunts: Yelu Tabi Yan, Yelu Tabi Hua

Power & Abilities:

• Top Combat Strength – The strongest warrior of the Khitan Northern Desert
• Supreme Inner Power – Beyond the Great Heaven Rank
• Spiritual Connection – Can sense life and death through the “Bian Yin Bell” 
• Overwhelming Aura – Can immobilize multiple top-tier fighters with a single move

Weapons & Fighting Style:

• Vajra Staff (降魔杵)
• Techniques: Unknown, but capable of overwhelming multiple top fighters
  Signature Move: Emits powerful sound waves that freeze enemies in place

Jiangchen’s Expanded Backstory

Jiang Chen, the eldest of the Four Great Corpse Ancestors, is a mysterious and eccentric figure in Painting Rivers and Lakes: The Unworthy Ones. Known as the Ghost Doctor Hand, she is a master of dark medicine and martial arts, capable of transplanting organs and modifying bodies. Despite her claims of avoiding worldly affairs, she is constantly scheming in the shadows, influencing key events and characters.

Her role is crucial as she saves Li Xingyun by replacing his heart and later guides him toward mastering dark martial arts. As a co-creator of the Nine Nether Mystic Heaven Divine Skill, she holds great knowledge and power, making her both an ally and a wildcard in the larger battle between major factions.

New revelations add depth to her character, confirming that Jiang Chen has living descendants. A preview scene shows her approaching a young girl from the Yuling tribe, claiming to be her ancestor. This unexpected development introduces fresh narrative possibilities, potentially linking Jiang Chen’s past to the present storyline in surprising ways.

Jiang Chen (降臣)

Alias: Remnant Corpse Husk (残尸败蜕), Ghost Doctor Hand (鬼医手), Corpse Ancestor Jiang Chen (尸祖降臣)
Voiced by: Zhang Huilin (张惠霖)
Gender: Female
Affiliation: Xuanming Sect (玄冥教)
Title: First of the Four Great Corpse Ancestors
Friend: Yuan Tiangang (袁天罡)
Corpse Ancestors:
Zhu Yougui (朱友珪) – Co-creator of the Nine Nether Mystic Heaven Divine Skill
Hou Qing (侯卿) – “Blood-Drenched Corpse Driver”
Han Ba (焊魃) – “Scorched Earth Corpse Artisan”
Ying Gou (萤勾) – “Endless Nether Sea” (Strongest Corpse Ancestor)
Acquaintances:
Li Xingyun (李星云) – Saved his life by replacing his heart
Zhang Zifan (张子凡) – Helped in exchange for his eyesight
Ji Ruxue (姬如雪) – Assisted in battle against Shang Organization

Power & Abilities:

• Master of Dark Medicine – Can transplant organs and modify bodies
• Nine Nether Mystic Heaven Divine Skill (九幽玄天神功) – Co-creator and sole master of the technique
• Unpredictable Tactics – Uses high-concentration explosives and surgical enhancements
• Deep Strategic Mind – Claims to avoid worldly affairs but is always scheming

Weapons & Techniques:

• Weapon: Drum Whip (鼓鞭) – A set of razor-sharp wires
• Techniques:
  Corpse Puppet Bombs – Miniature humanoid explosives
  Ghost Doctor Hand – Advanced surgical techniques, capable of transplanting limbs and organs

Plot Developments and Key Conflicts

The Mythic Origins of the Baixishi Stones

Perhaps the most intriguing revelation is the exposed origin of the Baixishi stones, objects that have intrigued viewers throughout the series. Their connection to an ancient Northern Desert legend adds a layer of cultural depth to the story.

The legend of the warrior on a white horse and the fairy on a blue ox meeting at the Yin Mountains creates a foundation myth that resonates with the region’s spiritual and historical identity. The fact that these stones originated from the eight children of this legendary couple explains their supernatural properties and their significance as protective talismans.

The Northern Desert Chapter

The decision to center Season 7 on the Northern Desert represents a strategic narrative shift. This region, previously introduced but not thoroughly explored, will now serve as the primary battleground for competing interests. The convergence of main characters like Li Xingyun, Ji Ruixue, and the Four Corpse Ancestors in this region suggests that the Northern Desert’s political and spiritual landscape will be crucial to the series’ development.

The Mysterious Elimination of the April Assembly Warriors

The revelation that the April Assembly participants have been completely wiped out before the event even begins introduces a new layer of mystery and danger to the Northern Desert setting. This development positions the April Assembly not merely as a cultural gathering but as a potential flashpoint for broader conflicts.

Thematic Elements and Narrative Direction

The series continues to balance character-driven stories with larger political and supernatural stakes, a formula that has contributed to its success. As the release date approaches, fans can expect a season that builds on established strengths while introducing new dimensions to the story.

The creative team faces the challenge of maintaining audience engagement with new settings and potentially reduced screen time for popular characters. Their ability to weave together the mythic elements of the Baixishi stones with the political machinations of the Northern Desert will determine whether this season achieves the heights of its predecessors.

What Fans Can Expect?

Visual Style and Animation Quality

The series has consistently delivered high-quality animation, with each season building on the technical achievements of its predecessors. Season 7 promises to continue this tradition, with enhanced visual effects to depict the mystical elements of the Baixishi stones and the expanded settings of the Northern Desert.

Action Sequences and Choreography

“Painting Rivers and Lakes” is renowned for its meticulously choreographed action sequences. Season 7 is expected to deliver even more spectacular combat scenes, particularly given the expanded cast of characters and the heightened stakes of the conflicts.

Character Relationships and Dynamics

The series has always excelled at developing complex character relationships. Season 7 will likely deepen these dynamics, particularly as characters are forced into new alliances and confrontations in the Northern Desert setting.

Conclusion

“Painting Rivers and Lakes Season 7” represents a significant evolution in the series’ scope and complexity. By placing Li Xingyun in direct conflict with Shuli Duo’s forces and introducing the mysterious elimination of the April Assembly participants, the narrative expands beyond personal vendettas to explore broader geopolitical struggles.

The series has consistently balanced character-driven storytelling with intricate world-building, and this season appears poised to deepen both aspects. The Northern Desert setting offers rich opportunities for cultural exploration and visual storytelling, potentially elevating the series to new creative heights.

FAQ

Battle Through the Heavens Battle Through the Heavens Review Cang Yuan Tu Cang Yuan Tu Review Changsheng Jie Chen Dong Chinese animation Chinese fantasy Chinese Web Fiction Cultivation System Douluo Dalu empire novel Hua Jianghu Zhi Bu Liang Ren ianxia i eat tomatoes Jian Lai Life Worlds lnmtl Night Without Bounds | Chapter 1: Eternal Night Night Without Bounds 夜无疆 novel cool novel updates Painting Rivers and Lakes Perfect World Shrouding the Heavens 遮天 Soul Land Swallowed Star Swallowed Star 2 review Swallowed Star sequel criticism Sword Coming The Demon Hunter The Sword Come Throne of Seal Tomb of Fallen Gods Season 2 Unsheathed Webnovel webnovel Xianxia World-Building Ye Wu Jiang 仙逆 凡人修仙传 剑来 吞噬星空 斗破苍穹 沧元图动画 画江湖之不良人