Dinghai Fusheng Records (The Comic / Manhua) Vol. 1 Paperback – November 5, 2024

A manhua adaptation of the original novel. I haven’t read that, but this seemed like a good adaptation. It was fast-paced and stuck to main plot points. Art was full colour and really beautiful.Chen Xing, 16, is the last exorcist of Jin dynasty in ancient China, where magic is gone. He only has a bit of magic, a heart lamp, but he’s born under lucky stars and things always go his way. That won’t last, however. When he turns twenty, the stars will change and he’ll die. He’s determined to find the reason magic disappeared before that, and prevent a great demon, Mara, from destroying the world.For the latter, he needs a great martial god, a protector chosen by his heart lamp. Guided by visions, he’s arrived to a town under siege to look for his protector. He finds the man, Xiang Shu, who turns out to be a criminal sentenced to death. As the enemy attacks, he saves the man, only for Xiang Shu to ditch him and flee.But his luck holds. Not only does he find a helpful guard, he also catches up with Xiang Shu. Together the three travel to Chang’an, the empire’s capital, where a surprise awaits Chen Xing, because Xiang Shu turns out to be something unexpected. The first volume ends there.This was a good introduction to the characters and the world, brought to life by the beautiful art. If there’s going to be romance, it’ll happen later. Currently, the men don’t like each other much, although Chen Xing admires Xiang Shu’s looks. I also like the time limit aspect, which adds edge to the story. I’ll definitely have to read on.