Thousand Autumns Vol. 02: Qian Qiu (Novel)
A PAWN IN GRANDER GAMES
As emperors, generals, and kings vie for dominance, martial sects mount bloody clashes to determine who will influence the nations’ leaders. Fallen and humbled, former sect leader Shen Qiao searches for direction in a tumultuous world. He finds an unlikely companion in the nefarious Yan Wushi.
The roguish and powerful demonic practitioner has helped Shen Qiao begin to rebuild his lost martial abilities. As the two travel and work together, the gentle Daoist master dares to imagine that the famed Demon Lord is warming to him. But all is not as it seems, and old treacheries draw fresh blood. As Shen Qiao confronts dangerous new enemies, the struggle for control of the Central Plains ignites!
Series Overview: Shen Qiao is a devout Daoist priest who has spent his life honing his skills and spirit, leading his sect with martial talent, beauty beyond measure, and an earnest heart. His polar opposite, Yan Wushi, leads one of the most powerful demonic sects and is said to be unrivaled in his strength and cunning. Yan Wushi believes in the inherently selfish nature of all people—himself included—and that nobody is above committing dark deeds for their own benefit.
When a fight leaves Shen Qiao injured, blind, and with hazy memories, Yan Wushi takes in the defeated sect leader with a dark plan: test the limits of the man’s patience and faith in others to lure him onto the demonic path. Little does he know that he is about to meet the first immovable force of his life, and that two hearts can connect in unexpected ways. With the passing of a thousand autumns, who can stay eternal?
This Chinese historical fiction tale about powerful martial artists (wuxia) built around the desire between two men (danmei) inspired a beloved animated series (donghua). The Seven Seas English-language edition will include exclusive, all-new covers and interior illustrations.
Biographical Notes:
Meng Xi Shi is a Chinese danmei author with a number of popular novel series, including Thousand Autumns, Peerless, and The Fourteenth Year of Chenghua (inspiration for the drama series The Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty).
Title Notes:
POPULAR ANIMATED SERIES: A popular animated adaptation (donghua) aired its first season in 2021 with English subtitles, and built an even bigger global fanbase for the series. A second season has been confirmed (date TBA).
ENGLISH DEBUT OF UNCENSORED NOVELS: This is the first official English release of the original danmei novel series, including all the romantic content often censored in various releases.
EXCLUSIVE ART, FAN OUTREACH: Each volume–prose with black and white illustrations–will feature translations and exclusive cover and interior artwork from passionate and prominent names in Western fandom.
FOR FANS OF: The three MXTX danmei novels–Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, Heaven Official’s Blessing, and The Scum Villain’s Self-Saving System–as well as other Chinese danmei franchises that are on the rise thanks to the popularity of MXTX’s works, like The Husky and His White Cat Shizun and the works of author Priest (Guardian: Zhen Hun, Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang, Faraway Wanderers/Word of Honor). Also for fans of historical adventure tales from China focused on martial artist heroes (wuxia) like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Boys’ Love (romanticized love between two men) in fiction from around the world; and political drama/romance.
SERIES INFO: Series is complete at 5 volumes, with a planned pub every 2-4 months.
AGE RANGE: This Adult title is unrated. It should appeal to the Older Teen (15+) audience, and might have some crossover appeal with YA audiences.
More details on Meng Xi Shi: