Zhu Xian 3

Jade Dynasty Season 3: A New Chapter in the Epic Chinese Fantasy Saga

By SON HAK, Your Guide to the Cultivation World

The highly anticipated Jade Dynasty Season 3, also known as Zhu Xian in Chinese, has officially arrived, captivating fans with its blend of breathtaking animation, intricate storytelling, and high-stakes drama. Premiering on June 12, 2025, this third installment of the beloved donghua (Chinese animated series) continues the saga of Zhang Xiaofan, a young cultivator caught in a world of moral ambiguity, epic battles, and tangled relationships. Produced by Tencent Penguin Pictures and animated by Cloud Art, Season 3 promises 26 episodes across four chapters, maintaining the series’ signature depth and intensity. Here’s everything you need to know about this thrilling continuation of one of China’s most celebrated fantasy series.

A Recap of the Journey So Far

For those new to Jade Dynasty or needing a refresher, the series follows Zhang Xiaofan, a kindhearted orphan whose life is upended when his village is massacred. Taken in by the prestigious Qingyun Sect, Xiaofan trains rigorously and excels in the Seven Meridians Tournament, showcasing his potential as a cultivator. However, his journey takes a darker turn as he grapples with the truth behind his parents’ deaths, demonic influences, and his complex relationships with Lu Xueqi, Bi Yao, and Tian Ling’er. Season 2 ended on a dramatic cliffhanger on August 24, 2024, leaving fans eager for resolution as Xiaofan, now known as Gui Li, navigates the blurred lines between good and evil.

Season 1 introduced Xiaofan’s struggle with the righteousness of the Qingyun Sect, while Season 2 saw him aligning with the demonic sect, facing blame and betrayal, and leaving viewers questioning his path forward. Fans have praised the series’ stunning visuals but expressed mixed feelings about its pacing and the handling of Xiaofan’s character arc, with some calling the story “poorly written” despite its beautiful art. With Season 3 now unfolding, expectations are sky-high for Yun Tu (Cloud Art) to deliver a season that balances action, emotion, and fidelity to the source material.

What to Expect in Season 3

Announced at the Tencent Video Animation Conference on August 10, 2024, Jade Dynasty Season 3 dives into a chaotic world where the Beast God’s return threatens to plunge the realm into bloodshed. Daoxuan, a key figure from the Qingyun Sect, steps up to confront this existential threat, while Gui Li and Lu Xueqi find themselves at a fateful crossroads. The season is structured into four chapters, totaling 26 episodes, each approximately 20–24 minutes long, promising a rollercoaster of action, mystery, and supernatural intrigue.

Key Plot Points

• The Rise of the Beast God: The third season centers on the emergence of the Beast God, a formidable force that disrupts the balance between good and evil. Expect intense battles as Daoxuan and other cultivators face this monstrous threat.
• Gui Li’s Evolution: Zhang Xiaofan, now fully embracing his darker persona as Gui Li, continues to grapple with his identity and purpose. Fans are eager to see if he seeks revenge or redemption, especially after Season 2’s controversial ending.
• Lu Xueqi and Bi Yao’s Roles: The romantic and emotional stakes are higher than ever. Lu Xueqi, a key figure from the Qingyun Sect, faces new challenges alongside Gui Li, while speculation swirls about Bi Yao’s fate—will she be revived, or will the donghua diverge from the novel’s tragic ending? Posts on X and Reddit suggest fans are divided, with some hoping for a happier resolution for Bi Yao, while others demand fidelity to the novel’s complex narrative.
• Major Changes from the Novel: Early episodes hint at deviations from Xiao Ding’s original Zhu Xian novel. For instance, Gui Li’s motivations in fighting the Beast God appear more heroic in the donghua, contrasting with the novel’s portrayal of a weakened Beast God and a joint battle with Lu Xueqi. Additionally, rumors of a significant change involving Tian Buyi’s wife, SuRu, have sparked debate among fans.

Highlights from Early Episodes

As of June 26, 2025, at least four episodes have aired, with Episode 4 generating buzz for its intense action and surprising developments. Fans on Reddit have noted the introduction of mysterious powers, such as the “three lotuses” and enhancements to Gui Li’s weapon, though some expressed confusion about the power system’s lack of clarity. The animation quality remains a standout, with scenes like Xiao Bai’s nine-tailed fox fight earning praise for their visual flair.

Release and Streaming Details

Jade Dynasty Season 3 premiered on June 12, 2025, with episodes released weekly, though some fans speculate about batch releases based on early patterns. The series is available on platforms like AnimeXin and Donghua World, offering subtitles in multiple languages, including English, Indonesian, Arabic, and more, making it accessible to a global audience. However, as of now, major streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu do not offer Season 3, leaving fans to rely on dedicated anime platforms.

For those seeking the latest episodes, check AnimeXin or Donghua World for streaming and download options in various qualities (240p to 720p). Be sure to use stable internet connections to avoid interruptions, as advised for similar donghua platforms.

Fan Reactions and Controversies

The announcement of Season 3 garnered over one million reservations, reflecting the series’ massive popularity in China and beyond. Fans are thrilled about the continuation, with comments on Reddit praising Yun Tu’s animation quality, especially after their work on Jian Lai (Sword of Coming). However, there’s skepticism about whether the studio will meet expectations, given criticisms of Season 2’s pacing and narrative choices.

A major point of contention is the donghua’s divergence from the novel. Fans on Reddit and X have expressed frustration over potential changes to Bi Yao’s fate and Lu Xueqi’s character model, with some threatening to boycott Tencent’s VIP service if the story strays too far from the source material. Others are excited about the fresh take, hoping for a resolution that satisfies both novel readers and donghua-only fans. The debate over who the “true” female main character is—Lu Xueqi or Bi Yao—continues to fuel discussions, adding to the anticipation for key emotional moments.

Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake?

Season 3 is poised to cover roughly 63–65% of the Zhu Xian novel, setting the stage for a potential Season 4 to conclude the story. Fans who have read the novel anticipate major events, such as the destruction of Fenxia Valley and the clash between righteous and demonic sects, but spoilers suggest these moments will be reimagined for dramatic effect. The season’s themes of fate, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between good and evil will test Gui Li and Lu Xueqi’s resolve, promising a “wild ride” for viewers.

For those eager to dive deeper, the Zhu Xian novel (revised or original) offers additional context, though English translations of later chapters may be incomplete. Fans recommend starting from the novel’s equivalent of Season 3’s opening to avoid spoilers, roughly around the Beast God arc.

Why You Should Watch

Jade Dynasty Season 3 combines action-packed martial arts, supernatural battles, and a richly layered story that appeals to fans of epic fantasy. Its stunning animation, courtesy of Cloud Art, elevates the donghua’s immersive world, while the emotional depth of characters like Gui Li and Lu Xueqi keeps viewers invested. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the novel or a newcomer to the donghua, this season offers a compelling mix of drama, romance, and high-stakes conflict.

Where to Stay Updated

To keep up with the latest Jade Dynasty Season 3 news, follow the official Zhu Xian Weibo page or join fan discussions on Reddit’s r/Donghua community. For streaming, AnimeXin and Donghua World are your best bets, with regular updates on new episodes. You can also check platforms like YouTube for trailers and teasers, such as the one released by Qixiang Animation.

Final Thoughts

Jade Dynasty Season 3 is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter in Zhang Xiaofan’s journey, with the Beast God’s rise and Gui Li’s moral struggles at its heart. While deviations from the novel have sparked debate, the series’ stunning visuals and intense narrative promise an unforgettable experience. As fans eagerly await each episode, the question remains: will Gui Li find redemption, or will the forces of chaos consume him? Grab your spiritual sword, join the cultivation world, and find out!