Dinghai Fusheng Records (The Comic / Manhua) Vol. 1

Dinghai Fusheng Records (The Comic / Manhua) #1

by Fei Tian Ye Xiang, Qian Er Bai (Illustrator)

A historical fantasy set in an ancient China where magic has been nearly extinguished, and two young men must work together to prevent the destruction of all life.

It has been three hundred years since magic disappeared from the Divine Land. Chen Xing is the last Great Exorcist—a young man with a tenuous grip on magic whose life is destined to end on his twentieth birthday. As whispers about the return of the demonic entity known as Mara echo across the land, Chen Xing is burdened with a daunting task: to seek out his fated counterpart, the Protector Martial God, and together, to save the world.

Enter Xiang Shu, a condemned man with a haunted past. Accused of unspeakable atrocities, Xiang Shu is an enigma—handsome, skilled, and facing execution for crimes he claims he didn't commit. As their destinies intertwine, Chen Xing and Xiang Shu embark together on a journey where the salvation of everything they know hangs in the balance.

Genres: Fantasy, Manga, LGBT, Romance, Comics, Historical, Historical Fiction

296 pages, Paperback

Published November 5, 2024

About the author

Associated Names:
* 非天夜翔
* Arise Zhang
* Fei Tian Ye Xiang
* เฟยเทียนเย่เสียง (Thai Profile)

Reviews

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this is your introduction to Fei Tian, you have possibly just met a new favorite danmei author 🥰 I'm not leaving a detailed review of this manhua because this is just a tiny slice of the amazing universe he’s written. I read Tianbao Fuyao/Legend of Exorcism novel first and am 18 chapters from finishing Dinghai Fusheng Records novel but I'm told you can read in any order. Personally, I prefer publication order so I would recommend Tianbao first. DFR is chronologically before Tianbao but was published after.

Fantasy/mythology
Ancient China
Slow Burn
Adorable MC/cranky ML

This book is in the exact same format as their novels (not the same as the MDZS manhua they did which is much slimmer).


The order that Seven Seas chose to release these is interesting IMO and I'm curious if it's the author's preferred reading order:
1) Dinghai Fusheng Records manhua vol. 1: 11/5/24
2) Dinghai Fusheng Records manhua vol. 2: 1/21/25
3) Legend of Exorcism novel vol. 1: 2/25/25
4) Dinghai Fusheng Records novel vol. 1: 5/20/25
5) Legend of Exorcism novel vol. 2: 6/3/25

*To Rule in a Turbulent World was written by Fei Tian but under the pen name Gu Xue Rou. Volumes 1 and 2 are already out.

*Joyful Reunion was also written by Fei Tian with an English release date of 6/17/2

[Poisonivy_Seastars · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You are the last ray of light to exist within the mortal realm on this dark, starless night”

This was so CUTE. Like it weirdly felt like if tgcf and one piece mashed together?? The fairytale-like vibe of tgcf, the big band of characters joining for a cause of one piece.

[任煦涵 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art is so beautiful but the novel is better heh

[Susanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

I received a free copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

[Ming · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5🌟
i hope i like the light novel better 😭😭
also i was so confused but -

[Emma Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. The art was gorgeous and the characters were fun but the pacing was very off. It wasn't until the last couple pages was I starting to see the story but even then I can't really tell you what the story is. I also think there were a lot of times where they were telling rather then showing and for a mahua I don't understand why you would show it in the panels instead of having a single speech bubble tell you everything, you have the means and ability to do it in the format that the book is and I don't know why they didn't take it.

I will admit though the last 50 or so were good. Interesting characters and some plot was given and I enjoyed it. However I didn't love it as much as I wished I did. I think I will continue reading it but the second volume will really have to catch my attention for me to continue with the series.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has the typical chinese webtoon-disease, namely having a confusing plot all over the place and bad pacing.

I don't know the novel yet - tho i guess I'm going to like it, because the story did sound nice. But I have no clue what is going on in the Manga ... it's bad at pacing, there is happening a lot but on the same time, there wasn't much progress. Especially because there are a lot of factions and chars around, who are getting introduced only shortly and then are gone again. It's confusing af.

Like there's an excocist, who needs a protector. He founds his protector, who is a criminal. The overall plot is, that MC and protectore need to rescue the world. But also they need to find ruins or shit.. and then there is war between emperors, and the criminal isnt acriminal but an investigator and.. ugh yeah. No idea.

Also I'm a fan of the cold-aloof-love interest, but the constant "Oh then ur NOT my protector, then i leave." Then he doesn't leave."Stuff was kinda annoying - like then fucking leave, if he doesnt want to help you! Bt still MC sticks around. (I mean it's a common trope, yada yada, but it was a bit annoying).

The artwork was great tho, like really. It's so damn pretty, all of the guys are hot, the outfits are looking great.

But yeah - i guess I just go read the Novel, maybe I change my rating then, after rereading the Manga. I guess I understand more then.

[Ambre Fauchon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One my fav danmei so far , the illusion are gorgeous

[⋆Aree⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok ok me gusto mucho la historia, promete, esta muy entretenido, los personajes me gustaron (principalmente los protagonistas jaja) la verdad si te engancha, y el arte también es bonito, definitivamente necesito continuarlo, pero tengo entendido que el manhua esta pausado por ahora? O cancelado? No lo se, algo así, así que quiero leer la novela🙂‍↕️🙈

[Queens Love Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Life and Death, old age and illness... these matters are predestined by the heavens. The very same heavens have bestowed this fate upon you. Why don't you, with the limited time you have left to live, leave your mark on the divine land?"




Volume 1 of Dinghai Fusheng Records kicks things off with stunning visuals and an intriguing story that grabs your attention right away. The art is a feast for the eyes—every page feels like it could hang in a gallery, and the character designs are chef’s kiss.

Chen Xing is an absolute delight. His optimistic yet determined nature makes him immediately lovable, while Xiang Shu brings all the brooding, stoic energy you’d expect from a reluctant protector. Their dynamic is the definition of “opposites attract,” and the tension between them practically leaps off the page.

The pacing is solid, balancing action, world-building, and emotional beats. There’s a fair bit of lore—divine lamps, exorcists, ancient threats—but it’s introduced in a way that keeps you intrigued without overwhelming you. A few moments feel a little rushed, especially for readers unfamiliar with the source material, but the charm of the characters and the beauty of the art more than make up for it.

This first volume promises an epic adventure, with plenty of sparks between Chen Xing and Xiang Shu to keep you hooked. It’s the kind of story that leaves you eagerly flipping pages while wondering what happens next!

Date Read: 2024.11.22

[Akansha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the MC gets himself a dog when left stranded and doesn't wants to depart from him, you know you are going to love him.

This is the first volume so we don't get more than introduction and Chen Xing admiring people for their beauty, which I understand.

He is already destined to die when he turns 20 and so I just know it's going to get brutal in the future volumes, like most of the danmei I have read I'll be ready with my tissues.

The artwork is gorgeous. The colour palette gives it a very magical vibe especially few of the chapters where it was different shades of blue. I can't wait for the next volume.

Thank You Edelweiss for the review copy

[Mehsi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this manga from Edelweiss/publisher in exchange of an honest review.

This sounded absolutely awesome, but this was way too hop hop hop through the scenes and I had trouble following it, as if someone had just grabbed the most interesting parts and didn't care about the interconnecting bits to make it all match. Now I just had to re-read, struggle, be confused. At times the story came through and those were the good parts, but there was just too much. I guess one needs to read the novel to get it.
Plus I had hoped for a splash more romance, haha. But the art was nice!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn
Fantasy
Adorable mc/cranky ml
Martial arts



Adventure MC is a 16 year old boy who is an exorcist. He was sent to find the martial god but has found him in a prison cell.


Cart wait to read novel next year.

[Selo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good soup

[L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hm.

I think I will like the novel much more than I liked this.

The pacing was really choppy and fast, to the point where I felt like I both flew through the plot and yet nothing happened; also the action scenes were not suspenseful or tense enough, and there wasn't enough of the mystery there to grab my interest. It also felt like I was missing out on a lot of description, detail, and world building that, again, would normally grab my interest and whisk me along -- but instead, I am left feeling a bit empty and let down, which is a shame. I think the first chapter was really strong, and yet that compelling premise and mysterious vibe kind of fizzled out throughout the second chapter.

I am not even that into the characters yet, outside of Feng Qianjun (what can I say; I love a mysterious man who seems to know more than he's letting on). Chen Xing is a bit too comedic for my tastes, which might just be feature of the manhua, and I don't feel that I've gotten a good introduction to Xiang Shu yet, despite reading the whole volume.

So many people are singing the praises of Fei Tian Ye Xiang and this series, so I will certainly give it another shot with the novel, but I cannot, for the life of me, understand why SevenSeas chose to publish the manhua first, especially when, at the moment, it feels like I am missing something by having only read the manhua and, subsequently, that the manhua would be better enjoyed in addition to having already read the novel. But I have not read the novel yet, so this is only speculation on my part. I want to like this, and when I get to read the novel I hope I like it, but at the moment... I just feel underwhelmed.

(Also, super unfortunately, my copy isn't in the best condition. There are a good 20-30 pages in the middle where the art and text are noticeably smeared, likely from the opposite pages bleeding over onto them. It's distracting, makes for a harder reading experience, and a bit of a let down. SevenSeas is my second favorite publisher when it comes to BL manga because I know I will always get a quality printing of a quality title. But from what I've been seeing online, and my own experiences with misprints on multiple novels and now this manhua, it seems like their danmei titles are not being given the same care.)

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if this was really a full five stars, but I'm going to bump it up anyway because it was so surprising and fun to read.

The premise itself is pretty dark: the world lost most of its magic three hundred years prior, and sixteen year old Chen Xing is one of the few (?) remaining with magical powers. As a Great Exorcist, it's his fate to find his other half, the Protector Martial God, and drive back an evil force that will otherwise destroy the world. Except Chen Xing's fate has a major flaw: he will die at age 20.

That means he has less than four years left to save a world he won't be able to continue living in.

Maybe that's why it appeals to me right now, too. The idea of having such a limited time to do what you can in and for a world that at the end of the day, doesn't even appreciate you. (While Chen Xing has immensely good luck, thanks to the 20 year life cycle he was born into, he doesn't meet many people who believe him when he tells his stories.)

And Chen Xing is so incredibly positive about everything. He's charming and charismatic and extremely blunt and ridiculously funny. I adore him, and despite freed prisoner Xiang Shu's refusal to be his Protector, it's clear he's developed an attachment to Chen Xing as well.

The plot with the living dead elements is a bit dense - maybe explained better in the original danmei - but I loved the art and characters and all the fun twists leading up to the end of this volume. Really interesting plotting that I'm very much looking forward to spending more time with. Alas, it looks like it'll be quite a while before Volume 1 of the danmei comes out, but it should only be a couple more months until the next volume of the manhua.

Depending on whether Chen Xing is able to defy his fate in the end and outlive that 20 year old expiration date, this could potentially turn into a favorite series.

[~Cyanide Latte~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really happy that this manhua adaptation is being released by Seven Seas. I started reading a fan translation of the web novel earlier this year (I'm barely around a quarter of the way through,) so it's nice to see the manhua and be able to read it too! It's paced excellently, the art is beautiful, and I feel like it really helps solidify the characters, especially Chen Xing. I often forget he's really a teenager forced to grow up too fast, but this adaptation really does an excellent job of reminding the reader of that!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, but I am a little confused about things. I think reading the novel will be better for me. I liked the art style a lot though. I also really like Chen Xing. The way he carries around the dog is everything.

[Rin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐

I was so disappointed when I couldn't find the webcomic anymore because the bilibili app doesn't work anymore. I'm excited that both it and the novel are being officially translated. The comic starts off kinda rough though, so I hope when I get around to the novel it's less weird of a start.

[Sinying.library · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art is so pretty! Nice intro arc, can't wait to read more of it

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been watching Legend of Exorcism and since Dinghai Fusheng Records is the prequel it's been fun spending time in this universe. Plus the art is lovely.

[Kamilė | cobwebshelves · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm n0t really sure how to rate this one tbh? It felt like 200+ pages of setup before the actual story starts.

[Siobhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

literally the funniest manhua ive read this year. highly recommend!

[aseekerofbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

First 35 chapters
Great danmei story with MoShang vibes for the main couple. Hehe 🤭

[Nazish Ahmed (Nazish Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read vol. 1 of the novel in September and really enjoyed it. I had actually read some of the web comic in the summer before starting the novel because I wasn't sure yet if I wanted to buy and read the novel. I really liked vol. 1 of the novel and immediately bought vol. 2 (which I'm hoping to get to either this month or next month) and this manhua (both vol. 1 and 2). Like with other web comic/manhua adaptations of novels, there were lots of things that were skipped, some not so important things shortened and sometimes the story felt a little confusing because of skipping some things. So far I think the adaptation is pretty good (although like I said, there were times when it got confusing or too fast paced because of skipping some things or shortening them) and while the art looked gorgeous on my small phone screen, after reading it in a bigger format, there were some points where it looked blurry or messy, still pretty overall, but I just thought I should mention some of the inconsistencies. Although I do understand that it's hard to be consistent when drawing (I draw sometimes during my free time), so I'm not going to be too hard on them since web comics are different then weekly shonen jump mangaka or other similar artists.

Like when i was reading vol. 1 of the novel, I was annoyed when Chen Xing kept calling Xiang Shu, Protector, it just sounded like he didn't care that he has a name and his own life. At least give him the courtesy of calling him by his name! I can understand why he was annoyed with Chen Xing and while he doesn't mention the name thing, he does say in the novel (so it might appear in vol. 2 or 3 of the manhua) that he hates it when people assume things instead of asking him what he wants to do, which Chen Xing didn't realize until Xiang Shu actually told him, but it should have been obvious. So I can understand why he's so rude, but I probably would have been a little more civil and would have also told him earlier so that everything is out in the open.


Blog: nazreads.ca
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[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found another great story. This is the comic of the novel. I'm surprised they are starting ahead of the novel, but they are. So, now I know a little something about this story that I didn't know. This is another fantasy danmei.

Chen Xing is an exorcist. We aren't really sure what that means but he can make his hands light up. They used to be magic, but magic has been gone from the world for 300 years now. He will die by the time he's 20, but until then, he is very very lucky. He is looking for his protector.

We open the book and he's in a city about to be attacked and he uses his glowing hand to lead him to his protector. He finds him in prison about to be executed for mass murder. He's Xiang Shu. He's very mysterious and he has no interest in being Chen Xing's protector. We meet a third swordsman and that's a bit confusing.

There were some wonderful BL moments between Chen Xing and Xiang Shu. It seems they are meant to be the main couple. I like the character of Chen Xing, young, naive and self-assured. He has studied hard and knows so little of the world. He has a great personality. Xiang Shu is the silent type and still a mystery, so we know so little of him.

This was great. I love it so far. I can't wait to read the novel and get more of what's going on between these two. I also look forward to the next volume. I hope this gets better and better. It has much potential

[Kit Moonstar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel drops you in the middle of the action and doesn’t let up. Chen Xing is our main point of view character, and he is clearly out of his depth. While I’m certain that there are details I’m missing because I’m not familiar with Chinese history, it doesn’t make too much of a difference to the story. I really liked the art style and found that I couldn’t put it down, finishing the first two volumes in about three days. This is my favorite kind of historical fantasy: great plot, pretty costumes, and intriguing characters.

Chen Xing is a little too naïve for me at times, but it does work well for his character and gives a reason for a lot of the exposition. The story has been really unpredictable which is something I enjoy. Far too often I can easily predict where a story is going, and I like to be surprised. I do wish we got a little more about Xiang Shu, but hopefully as the story continues we’ll get more details about him. While the second volume does give us a little more of his background, there are still a lot of questions, and we don’t get as much access to his internal thoughts as we do with Chen Xing.

It’ll be interesting to see where both the story goes and how Chen Xing and Xiang Shu’s relationship continues to develop. I’m really looking forward to the next installment of the comic. I’m also planning on picking up the book that the comic is based on. Four out of five stars.

[Cassie Renais · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danmei can be very dense universes to get into because there's so much assumed knowledge about the world-building and characterisation, but this had a pretty accessible entry point with a good explanation of who/what the MC is, and who the ML is supposed to be. After that, the story was a little chaotic and difficult to follow, but it felt more like me failing to keep up than the story being too complicated. I think it will improve on a re-read. I think it's more fun to have a really exciting/interesting fantasy universe with an original premise than an unoriginal but easy-to-follow story. There's so much potential in the universe that is unfolding in this introductory volume.

For the central romance, their dynamic is cute and you can see how the relationship will develop as the story unfolds - the magic that ties them together is potent enough that even the reluctant/grumpy ML will be forced to acknowledge their connection.

The art is also very beautiful and easy on the eyes. It's a genuine pleasure to read.

Overall, a good read, but definitely a little opaque. I feel like there's so much happening that it's difficult to get my bearings in the story. My emotional hook is a little loose at the moment, but I'd still go on to read the 2nd volume.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this series may be suffering from a slightly clunky translation, and the panels sometimes not flowing from scene to scene very seamlessly, but the story itself has the making of your typical Chinese historical fantasy, which I do have a soft spot for. The story itself is a bit rough right now. The end of the world is imminent, and Chen Xing, the world’s last Exorcist, is determined to stop it before his luck runs out when he turns 20. Too bad no one seems to be taking him too seriously, including his destined protector, Xiang Shu who may be more than just a random murderer on death row. Currently, we have no obvious bad guy, so we have to wait and see how the story unfolds, but demonic stuff is going down, and no one knows why, so we are going into the next volume with our main characters starting to investigate.

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have pre-ordered the first volume of the novel of this story but know little about the series, so when I saw the manhua available for review, I decided to check it out in this medium first. Overall, it has left me keen to start the novel series. The story was interesting right from the get-go and I enjoyed the relationship between Chen Xing and Xiang Shu. The manhua was presented in full colour throughout and the illustrations were lovely. It was easy reading and also entertaining, with a good blend of action and humour. I am giving this first manhua volume 4.5 stars and recommend it to fans of BL/danmei xianxia manhua.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.