Heaven Official’s BlessingAlso known as Tian Guan Si Fuis an incredibly crafted story of love and redemption, with Mesmerizing art and dynamic characters to satisfy everyone from new queer romance fans to seasoned BL readers. It also has the value of breaking another toxic BL romance stereotype. Originating as a web novel (since published) written by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, it was adapted into both a manhua (comic) and donghua (anime), both produced by Bilibili. The anime has released its second season with announcements for a third expected to be forthcoming.
The novel is a delight for any imaginative reader, and The anime is an adaptation so faithful that it rivals the devotion of the main characters. Ethereal artwork and an elegant score make the entire viewing experience Heaven Official’s Blessing All the more immersive, bring the viewer into the impossibly refined and yet darkly complex world of assembled gods. The protagonist, Xie Lian, is a crown prince who has risen and fallen from the Heavenly Realm twice before the story begins, and his extreme emotional growth and experiences of failure and humiliation throughout the novels and series provide breathtaking character depth and development.
The Chinese anime delivers ethereal animation, complex character development and political intrigue
From the author of The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation
It’s not the first time Mo Xiang Tong Xiu has delivered a massively successful piece of art like this; The same author wrote The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivationwhich was adapted into the popular live action series, Unreserved. Heaven Official’s Blessing is a testimony to the writer’s continued powers, because it originates and even promotes his predecessor in the new intriguing policy of the heavenly emperor and his many officials. The characters are nuanced and compelling, and the anime brings to life its shining elements of romance, fantasy and mystery steeped in otherworldly beauty.
The love interest Hua Cheng, the crimson rain-seeking flower, is Eventually revealed to be the embodiment of devotion itselfAs a ghost whose unexpected love for Xie Lian kept him in the mortal realm, and who dedicated his existence to supporting him in whatever way was accepted. He is introduced as a kind of anti-hero, someone considered a villain by most heavenly officials for the fact that he once usurped many of their worshipers by beating many officials in a series of duels. It is later revealed in the novels that the officials in question bullied Xie Lian, and Hua Cheng acted in a twisted sort of defense of him.
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however, Somewhere in the story you can expect doubt and distrust to arise between the two, instead, they are almost blindly trust each other, ready to give the benefit of the doubt in the extreme. Xie Lian is only slightly initially hesitant around Hua Cheng, and almost immediately discards the common conception of him as incongruent with his own experience. Likewise, even in moments when Xie Lian and Hua Cheng seem to be at odds, such as Xie Lian’s mission into Hua Cheng’s territory, the two remain loyal and are quick to protect each other.
Blessing of Heaven Officials is a beautiful story of devotion between two people
Finally a strange romance that does not end in tragedy
It has long been a complaint of the queer community that Strange love stories too often end in tragedyAnd while this anime takes the slow burn route and dives into themes of grief, it’s decidedly not a tragedy. Instead, it is an epic romantic saga, of a pure and cherishing love that spans hundreds of years and the build-up of two characters struggling through various phases of personal growth. Heaven Official’s Blessing Is everything you could ask for from any romantic fantasy. It’s a much-deserved addition to a growing body of stories that break weird tragedy tropes.