Fanren Xiu Xian Zhuan 2nd Season

CGI this, CGI that, Complete and utter nonsense, Cry more....
Complain about CGI? Watch this show!

For me, the binge was truly effortless.
I would start the episode, a moment went by, and the ED would start playing
These were 14-16 mins long(excl OP&ED). It just sucks you in.

I'm not lying when I say; There is movie level animation every episode.
The fight choreography in show is just incredible. There's so much of it, so expertly done, it's impossible to get bored. There is so much attention to detail. You will be amazed at how well they revere fighting styles and techniques.

Have you ever sighed when watching ... the MC of your average show just effortlessly hack down giant, powerful beasts in absolute impunity with the standard dumb as rock monster fight choreography? Me too...

This show takes that boring garbage and throws it out the window with the most freakishly animated and intelligent monsters, beasts and bandits you have ever seen, It's a sight for sore eyes.

These beasts are beyond ruthless, no tea breaks you can't even breathe, you make a single mistake you are instantly obliterated.
Never have I seen animators respect every character, whether beast or human so well, everyone in this show is a threat. No one fights like an utter moron, beasts will relentlessly attack their enemies overpowering them with strength with ample intelligence. The animation conveys strength and weakness so perfectly.
There's rarely any stopping to talk in fights breaking the captivation, it's so realistic. You will truly feel the struggle in the fights, the soundtrack truly amps the stakes and there's no pointless time-wasting in battle.

The MC is a sight for sore eyes, a lot of his character is shaped from his experiences. The author displays their wisdom and prudence, there's great deal of understanding of human nature. You'll find yourself able to sympathize with both sides of every conflict. There's no evil bad-guy just clashing desires and ideals.

Chinese donghua usually do power scaling quite well, however this show is a true distinction. It has probably, the best power-scaling and progression I've ever witnessed. There's no plot armor, they focus on what's important, having a well-thought out trade-off for many decisions taken. Many things are explained quite well, I was rarely confused.(Well unless you're not used to remembering the sea of Chinese names for the cast)

While death is abundant, they keep the overall lethality of the cultivation skills quite low for this type of show, heavily restricting the general scale of the powers. This remarkably, does wonders for the immersion. The powers only get crazy at the very top and we're still no where near destroying planets or evaporating the ocean. Every tool is used extensively and well is accounted for.

One thing the show does best, is that it's very focused on it's core purpose and story.
It doesn't let the common editor tack-on tropes over-power the story, allowing the viewer to be engaged throughout. There aren't any filler arcs or entire episodes wasted on gag characters pissing about. The characters are many, but each are respected and are used masterfully. Notably, They're not afraid kill them off for good reason, however important they might be.


All in all....
There might have been a single solitary arc i didn't enjoy, the rest was wholly exhilarating.
As with a lot of these donghua you actually learn something and gain some wisdom, this one doesn't disappoint.

Animation? Best out there. Go watch episode 20-21 and tell me if you've seen much better out there.
Characters? while fleeting they are well crafted.
Story? Top tier. No faffing about, no agendas, just a damn good story.
Sound? Top tier.
Enjoyment? Best out there...
11/10 but you can only give 10.

Just watch the whole thing including S1 and you'll start talking like me, if only all CGI could be like this.

I've never given a donghua a 10, but with this, it was impossible not to.
Simply incredible, make haste and binge it.

Hope this helps.

Type - Cultivation Donghua
S2 Rating - 7/10

Blood demon arc was best.
Character development, cultivation growth and great fights.

Farewell Tianann arc was average.
The MC lost the character growth he had so far for many episodes.
He literally did not have cultivation, skill or power growth.
There were a lot of dragged fights especially of side characters.
... Then the MC personality and character again grew at end of that arc.
Then his power was randomly nerfed at end. Not just his powers, he randomly became dumb.

Sea of stars arc started with MC being dumb and nerfed.
Then he wasted episodes to get back to where he started.
Some good fights in it.

The animation is decent. The direction is decent.
The characters are inconsistent. They become powerful or weak as per plot convenience.
Their motivations change at the drop of a hat. Especially the MC.
He literally has no conviction. Every few episodes he is a new person as per plot convenience.
Many characters are introduced or built up but get no conclusion.
A lot of plot holes exist.
Overall a decent but rollercoaster season.