Làn Kē Qí Yuán

Làn Kē Qí Yuán, translating to 'The Strange Tale of the Rotten Axe,' originates from a popular web novel that was later adapted into a manhua by the creative team at Yuewen Manhua. The narrative is deeply rooted in the concept of Xianxia, drawing upon traditional Chinese folklore and the specific legend of Wang Zhi, a woodcutter who discovers a game of go in the mountains, only to find centuries have passed upon his return. The manhua format was chosen to visually capture the ethereal, slow-burn cultivation style that differentiates the story from more action-heavy martial arts series.

The design of the manhua centers on a contemplative aesthetic, prioritizing landscape-heavy panels and character designs that emphasize the protagonist's transition from an ordinary man to a figure of profound Daoist realization. Yuewen Manhua’s approach sought to balance the grandeur of the immortal world with the grounded, rustic origins of the main character. Upon release, it was well-received by audiences for its departure from standard power-fantasy tropes, earning praise for its patient storytelling and atmospheric art direction.