Liu Yao

Liu Yao, or 'The Six Realms', is a notable 2020 ONA adaptation of the danmei web novel written by Priest. Produced by the animation studio GARDEN, the series centers on the resurgence of the declining Fuyao Sect as its young, reluctant disciples attempt to restore their sect's former glory. It belongs to the broader wave of high-production Chinese animated series that emerged in the late 2010s to adapt popular web literature for streaming platforms, specifically targeting a dedicated digital audience familiar with the xianxia fantasy genre.

The animation style and character designs were crafted to emphasize the whimsical yet grounded atmosphere of the original source material. GARDEN focused on balancing the lighthearted, often humorous dynamics between the protagonist Yan Zhengming and his fellow disciples with the series' underlying themes of cultivation and duty. Upon its release, the project was generally well-received by the domestic audience for its fidelity to Priest's characterizations and its stylistic departure from more traditional, hyper-realistic 3D animations, favoring a distinct aesthetic that highlighted the story's emotional core.