Doupo Cangqiong Special 2: Sha Zhi Lan Ge

This is a bit of an interesting special. This is meant to be watched after Season 2 and before Season 3, since it features Hai PoDong and Medusa, after both are introduced in the main story (before Medusa's model is shown). However, this is technically a non-canon story, a donghua original. This special centers around the Hai PoDong and Medusa's fight in the desert, roughly 30 years prior to Xiao Yan meeting Hai PoDong. In the novel (source) and donghua season 2, there is mention that Hai PoDong once fought Medusa, lost, and was thus sealed, however, that is the extent of the details of thatevent. This story is built from this tiny detail within the novel, and this special is the result. The story, action and character models in this special are beautifully done. They took the time to delve into each characters actions and gave development to characters (probably fan favorites), that don't really get explored in the novel or the donghua. There is major point of difference from the novel though: Medusa's character has been softened (in the novel she is described as a ruthless killer and feared by all - from the JiaMa Empire's perspective of course) and Hai PoDong is later shown as wary of Medusa rather than outright instinctively fearful of her. This is a great watch, it has a good balance of action and story, well worth the watch. I would even recommend it to people who don't care much for the main story, since it can stand independent and requires no background info to enjoy.

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