One of the Chinese anime that has truly captivated me this year is Bai Yao Pu, also known as Manual of Hundred Demons or Hundred Demons Spectrum. This masterpiece, produced by Haoliners Animation League and part of bilibili’s 2020 Chinese anime projects lineup, has taken me on a thrilling and emotional ride. Inspired by the novel of the same title, Manual of Hundred Demons tells the tale of Tao Yao, a traveling doctor with the extraordinary ability to heal supernatural creatures from Chinese legends, including spirits, deities, and demons.

A Fusion of Mushishi and Natsume’s Book of Friends

When I first stumbled upon the plot of this donghua (Chinese anime), it immediately reminded me of two of my all-time favorite anime series: Mushishi and Natsume’s Book of Friends. Similar to these beloved shows, Manual of Hundred Demons explores the mystical realm and the relationships between humans and supernatural beings.

In this article, I want to share my personal thoughts on Manual of Hundred Demons and explain why it has become my top drama donghua of 2020 so far.

The Enchanting Storytelling of Bai Yao Pu

The storytelling in Bai Yao Pu is beautifully simple. Our protagonist, Tao Yao, embarks on a journey through different regions of Ancient China, encountering supernatural creatures along the way. Sometimes intentional, sometimes accidental, these encounters lead her to become a doctor for these extraordinary beings. Tao Yao is no conventional hero; she operates in a morally gray area, doing whatever is necessary to help her clients while also serving her own interests. Accompanying her on this adventure is a young monk and a snake demon, who provide support and protection when faced with danger.

Season 1 of Bai Yao Pu consists of 12 episodes divided into 6 stories, with each story spanning 2 episodes. The storytelling formula follows a particular pattern: Tao Yao meets her client, they establish a connection (sometimes strained due to Tao Yao’s abrasive manner), and then the second episode delves into the client’s backstory, often leaving a lasting emotional impact. Tao Yao acts as a spiritual doctor, healing her clients’ damaged souls. This setup reminded me of Natsume’s Book of Friends, as both series explore the protagonist’s relationships with the supernatural and their efforts to help them.

While the storytelling might be somewhat predictable, each story offers a unique and poignant experience. Despite sharing some similarities, every client Tao Yao encounters has their own story to tell. Each tale is melancholic and heart-wrenching, leaving me disoriented yet deeply moved. The Manual of Hundred Demons proves that spirits, demons, and even gods are capable of experiencing human emotions; they cheer, love, sin, err, curse, grieve, and feel sentimentality. This series appeals to our emotional side, highlighting the complexities of human nature through the lens of supernatural beings.

Additionally, the donghua treats viewers to visually stunning animations, vivid graphics, and beautiful character designs. Tao Yao’s humorous jokes often inject moments of levity into the narrative. At its core, Manual of Hundred Demons stays true to Chinese traditions and cultural elements, providing insights into various philosophies and traits unique to Chinese culture. The enchanting and emotionally charged soundtrack further intensifies the storytelling experience.

The Memorable Characters of Bai Yao Pu

The Manual of Hundred Demons primarily revolves around three major characters:

Tao Yao

As the main character and a spirit doctor, Tao Yao possesses the ability to heal demons, spirits, and gods suffering from severe illnesses. While she is revered by these supernatural beings due to her exceptional skill, she is also feared for her wicked nature. Tao Yao’s actions sometimes align with those of an evil villain, as she primarily pursues her own interests. Nonetheless, she takes pride in her role as a spirit doctor who can heal almost any demon illness.

Moya

Moya, our young monk, often serves as the source of comic relief in the series. Tao Yao frequently teases him mercilessly. Moya, along with the adorable little fox Gungun, who Tao Yao cured in the first and second episodes, provides some of the most heartwarming scenes in this donghua.

Mr. Liu

Mr. Liu, also known as Liugonzi, is a gentleman snake-demon who accompanies Tao Yao and Moya on their journey. He possesses considerable power and acts as their protector when faced with dire situations. His friendly and casual relationship with Tao Yao adds an interesting dynamic to the group.

A Masterpiece of Animation and Music

Manual of Hundred Demons elevates its emotional story with a beautiful musical score. The enchanting and melancholic soundtrack intensifies the series’ already dramatic ambiance.

Both the opening theme, “Shan Nian Qi (善念起),” sung by Li Yugang (李玉刚), and the ending theme, “Qian Sheng Yan (千生烟),” performed by Jun Jun (均均), resonate deeply with viewers.

The animation quality is exceptional, making Manual of Hundred Demons a standout among Haoliners Animation League’s 2020 works. Compared to other series produced by the studio this year, such as The Daily Life of the Immortal King, Those Years I Owned a Zoo, and God of Deception, Manual of Hundred Demons truly shines.

The Best Drama Donghua of 2020 (So Far)

While Manual of Hundred Demons may not be the best Chinese anime of 2020, it has undoubtedly been one of the most emotionally engaging experiences I’ve had this year. It has earned its place as the best drama donghua of 2020 thus far. If you’re eager to dive into the mesmerizing world of Bai Yao Pu, you can watch it on bilibili.

In conclusion, Manual of Hundred Demons takes us on a melancholic journey into the realm of Chinese legends. Through its captivating storytelling, memorable characters, stunning animation, and emotional soundtrack, this donghua transcends the boundaries of traditional anime, delivering a truly unique and unforgettable experience.