How do you write Xuanhuan?

[Arch9CivilReactor]

I’m rewriting an old work and decided to colour the background and setting in Xuanhuan power system mechanics… but the only understanding I got of the genre is that it’s Xianxia without the eastern influence. Keeping the “strong oppress the weak” mentality which is usually formed from years of common people fighting an EoH (Enemy of Humanity) in their many variants.

Since survival is on the line they tie strength with pride and are very ableist. Some aren’t like that and just keep the power ranks in the system like A is stronger than B because A has more magic or something.

That’s all I got since I haven’t been reading them lately. What’s the most common traits in a Xuanhuan compared to Xianxia? I’m very aware on how to write the latter but the former isn’t something I’m familiar with. Need help understanding this genre.

 

[Gray_Mann]

Xuanhuan isn't complicated. It's literally just Western/European....but cultivation. It's that simple. You are overcomplicating it. Think Xianxia....but with western culture/mythology/etc. rather than Eastern.

 

[FieryLou]

Young Master Bai ----- Young Master David. Creator God Pandu---- Creator God Ywach. Qi Gahtering----- Mana Gathering

 

[Ai-chan]

I’m rewriting an old work and decided to colour the background and setting in Xuanhuan power system mechanics… but the only understanding I got of the genre is that it’s Xianxia without the eastern influence. Keeping the “strong oppress the weak” mentality which is usually formed from years of common people fighting an EoH (Enemy of Humanity) in their many variants.

Since survival is on the line they tie strength with pride and are very ableist. Some aren’t like that and just keep the power ranks in the system like A is stronger than B because A has more magic or something.

That’s all I got since I haven’t been reading them lately. What’s the most common traits in a Xuanhuan compared to Xianxia? I’m very aware on how to write the latter but the former isn’t something I’m familiar with. Need help understanding this genre.

Strictly speaking, it's western fantasy, written by chinese authors. But a lot of authors (and readers) think it's xianxia in medieval western setting. You can totally write xuanhuan without those power levelling and cultiva-blergh! Face slapping and your father is a must and is a common factor in both.

You see, xianxia is immortal fantasy, xuanhuan means mysterious fantasy. Xianxia is a story of ascension into godhood. Xuanhuan is a story of magic and fantasy as xuan can also mean esoteric, arcane or deep. So to write xuanhuan, you don't need power levelling, but you do need magic and maybe a western dragon or two.

 

[tiaf]

Xuanhuan 玄幻: Unlimited fantasies​

Xuanhuan (玄幻) represents the most experimental and boundary-pushing of these genres. The term comes from:

• Xuan refers to (xuánxiǎng) 玄想, which means imagination or illusion.
• Huan means fantasy or illusion.

The term comes from author Huang Yi, the pioneer of the genre. He referred to his works as fantasy novels based on the imagination.


Unlike traditional fantasy/qihuan, xuanhuan is based on fantasy but combines elements from science fiction and wuxia. They could also be adaptations of movies, anime, or games similar to fan fiction.


Xuanhuan pushes the boundaries of speculative fiction by being a melting pot of the wildest fantasies. Anything the authors can imagine can be possible in these stories.


What makes xuanhuan unique:

• Combines elements from multiple genres, including fantasy, sci-fi, and wuxia
• No strict adherence to traditional Chinese mythology
• Often incorporates modern concepts or alternate worlds
• Maximum creative freedom in worldbuilding and magic systems
• Can include elements from other media like games or anime

Differences Between Wuxia, Xianxia, and Xuanhuan​

When reading Chinese fantasy, you can identify the genre by looking for these key indicators:

Wuxia​

• Historical Chinese setting
• Focus on martial arts and internal energy
• No explicit magic or supernatural beings
• Strong emphasis on chivalric code

Xianxia​

• Supernatural elements from Chinese mythology
• Cultivation towards immortality
• Presence of gods, demons, and spirits
• Combination of martial arts and magic

Xuanhuan​

• Genre-blending elements
• May include modern or sci-fi concepts
• Unrestricted by traditional mythology
• Often features unique magic systems

What’s the difference between wuxia, xianxia, and xuanhuan?

Readers are often unsure of how wuxia, xianxia, and xuanhuan differ from each other.

wuxiasociety.com

I'd say Xianxia has a strong poetic flavor compared to Xuanhuan.

 

[RainingFish]

I’m rewriting an old work and decided to colour the background and setting in Xuanhuan power system mechanics… but the only understanding I got of the genre is that it’s Xianxia without the eastern influence. Keeping the “strong oppress the weak” mentality which is usually formed from years of common people fighting an EoH (Enemy of Humanity) in their many variants.

Since survival is on the line they tie strength with pride and are very ableist. Some aren’t like that and just keep the power ranks in the system like A is stronger than B because A has more magic or something.

That’s all I got since I haven’t been reading them lately. What’s the most common traits in a Xuanhuan compared to Xianxia? I’m very aware on how to write the latter but the former isn’t something I’m familiar with. Need help understanding this genre.

Xianxia tries to stick more traditional Chinese fantasy and cultural elements. Xuanhuan branches out more and can be whatever the author wants and/or thinks will be popular.

 

[Deleted member 206441]

Carefully

 

[Spacerunner357]

I’m rewriting an old work and decided to colour the background and setting in Xuanhuan power system mechanics… but the only understanding I got of the genre is that it’s Xianxia without the eastern influence. Keeping the “strong oppress the weak” mentality which is usually formed from years of common people fighting an EoH (Enemy of Humanity) in their many variants.

Since survival is on the line they tie strength with pride and are very ableist. Some aren’t like that and just keep the power ranks in the system like A is stronger than B because A has more magic or something.

That’s all I got since I haven’t been reading them lately. What’s the most common traits in a Xuanhuan compared to Xianxia? I’m very aware on how to write the latter but the former isn’t something I’m familiar with. Need help understanding this genre.

Well there is, Status and also what they have done for example there rank in something.

 

[NotaNuffian]

Xianxia is daosim shit

Xuanhuan is anything that isn't

 

[miyoga]

For a webnovel example, check out "Level Up Hero". You've got heroes and villains with patronage from pretty much every pantheon of deities you can think of and different power levels/class distinctions (tiers).
If you want an animated example, then you can always check out X-men (they've got the tier system for ranking their powers), MHA (hero billboard chart) or A Certain Magical Index (esper levels), just to name a few off the top of my head.