The popular Chinese anime Battle Through the Heavens Season 5 (Doupo Cangqiong) recently aired its 129th episode, sparking intense debate among fans. The controversy centers around the childbirth of Medusa Queen, a significant event in the series. The anime’s drastic alteration of this event from the original novel has left many original fans outraged, and the changes have since been widely discussed.
Medusa Queen’s Childbirth Revealed in Episode 129
Before the release of Episode 129, many fans were eagerly anticipating the birth of Medusa Queen’s daughter, Xiao Xiao. However, when the episode finally aired, a large portion of the childbirth scene was noticeably missing, leaving fans disappointed. According to the original plot, the episode should have included a letter sent to Xiao Yan by his brother from the Jia Ma Empire, detailing the latest events, including Medusa Queen giving birth to Xiao Xiao.
The decision to exclude this scene has raised questions, with some speculating that the content was too sensitive or controversial for the anime adaptation. Nevertheless, the exclusion and the partial reveal of this major event have only increased fan curiosity and speculation.
A Drastic Change in Xiao Xiao’s Birth
One of the most contentious points in this adaptation is the significant modification of how Xiao Xiao was born. In the original novel, Medusa Queen gives birth to Xiao Xiao as the daughter of Xiao Yan and Medusa. However, in the anime, Xiao Xiao’s origin has been altered, causing a wave of discontent among fans. Instead of being born through natural means, Xiao Xiao is portrayed as a soul fragment separated from Medusa Queen. This soul fragment is none other than Xiao Cai, and Xiao Xiao is no longer the biological daughter of Xiao Yan and Medusa Queen.
This dramatic change in Xiao Xiao’s birth has left many fans fuming, as it deviates heavily from the novel’s established storyline. While some previous changes in the anime, such as cutting certain scenes between Xiao Yan and Medusa, were understandable due to sensitive content, this particular modification has upset fans even more. Xiao Xiao, as depicted in the anime, now bears no biological connection to Xiao Yan, undermining a key aspect of the original story.
Outrage from Fans of the Original Novel
Unsurprisingly, fans of the original novel (doupo cangqiong) have voiced their frustration with these changes, criticizing the anime adaptation for deviating too far from the source material. Many argue that altering Xiao Xiao’s birth is a step too far, and that this change has significantly impacted the story’s dynamics. The adaptation appears to follow the storyline from the manga version of Battle Through the Heavens, which also introduced similar changes, but this hasn’t been received well by long-time fans.
For fans, the bond between Xiao Yan and Medusa Queen, and their child, was a pivotal part of the story. With these changes, the anime has distanced itself from this core plotline, and fans are worried about what this means for future developments in the show. The omission and modifications have led to an uproar on social media, with viewers expressing their disappointment and anger.
What’s Next for Xiao Xiao’s Character in the Anime?
As of now, it’s unclear how the anime will continue with Xiao Xiao’s storyline. While her birth has been altered, fans are left wondering how her character will be further developed. With her inevitable appearance in future episodes, fans are eager to see whether the anime will continue to follow this revised storyline or make further adjustments to appease viewers.
The decision to drastically alter her origin has already caused a backlash, and many fear that additional changes could alienate even more fans. While removing Xiao Xiao from the story entirely is highly unlikely, such drastic revisions may prompt more criticism from the fanbase.
Conclusion
The Battle Through the Heavens anime has always been popular for its exciting plot and well-developed characters, but the recent changes in Medusa Queen’s childbirth have left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans. While adapting a novel for an anime often requires some changes, the decision to alter Xiao Xiao’s origin may have far-reaching consequences. Fans of the original novel are already expressing their dissatisfaction, and it remains to be seen how the anime creators will address this situation moving forward.
For now, the controversy surrounding Xiao Xiao’s birth and her future role in the series continues to unfold, and fans are left anxiously awaiting the next developments. Whether the anime sticks to this new storyline or reverts back to the original plot, one thing is certain – fans will be watching closely.
